ArtWorks changing colors to stand out locally and nationally

After 30 years as ArtWorks, the Cincinnati nonprofit behind hundreds of murals and thousands of youth arts jobs is rebranding, a move leaders say better reflects the organization’s growth and ambitions while helping it stand out nationally.

As of today, it’s now going by “1001 Colors” — pronounced “One Thousand and One Colors.”

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Apparently, dozens of organizations around the country use the ArtWorks name, including several in Ohio, making it difficult to distinguish the Cincinnati organization and build a unique national identity, according to Colleen Houston, CEO and creative director. She said the ArtWorks name also frequently encountered confusion with ArtsWave, despite the two groups serving different roles in the region’s arts ecosystem. 

The organization formerly known as ArtWorks unveiled the new name during its sold-out 30th Anniversary ArtDinner and launched 1001Colors.org as its new digital home. 

“We chose the name 1001 Colors because it gives us a name that is truly our own, distinct, memorable, and positions us to stand out both locally and nationally,” Houston said. “It’s a powerful expression of who we are today and a forward-looking decision that reflects the scale of our ambition and our belief that creativity opens pathways for every young person, every artist, and every community we serve.” 

A name discovered, not created

ArtWorks spent nearly two years researching a new name, gathering feedback from audiences, staff, leadership and board members while working with branding agencies and consultants. The board ultimately approved the change unanimously. 

During renovations at the organization’s Creative Campus in Walnut Hills, crews uncovered a hand-painted sign reading “1000 & 1 Colors,” a remnant from the building’s days as the Bolce Paint Company, which operated there beginning in 1909. Workers also discovered colorful ceiling beams hidden above drop ceilings for decades.

The search ended close to home.

The name is fitting, Houston said, as it reflects the wide range of ideas, voices and creative possibilities represented by its artists, apprentices and community partners. 

“In the end, the answer was already here,” Houston told Movers & Makers. 

Mission stays the same

While its name is changing, the nonprofit’s longstanding mission is not.

ArtWorks has evolved far beyond its roots as a summer youth employment program. Today, it offers year-round employment opportunities, artist development programs and fellowships while continuing to create public art projects throughout the region. It also operates from its permanent Creative Campus, which brings programs, staff and resources together under one roof.

“We needed a name that reflects who we are today and where we are headed,” Houston said.

Now operating as 1001 Colors, the organization will continue producing public art and creative projects that employ and develop young people, strengthen communities and support artists.

That work continues this summer through the organization’s Youth Apprentice Program, which employs more than 100 young people a year, ages 14 to 21, across Greater Cincinnati. Apprentices will work alongside professional artists on murals, film, design and community-based projects. Since its founding in 1996, the organization has produced more than 400 murals and more than 14,000 creative projects while employing more than 8,000 artists and young people.

Projects this summer include a mural for Cincinnati Public Radio’s new building in Evanston and the America 250 Tuskegee Airmen mural initiative, which will bring murals to Cincinnati, Cleveland and Toledo.

“For 30 years, this organization has shaped Cincinnati in ways both visible and deeply personal,” said Roxanne Qualls, former Cincinnati mayor and a co-founder of the organization. “Without ArtWorks, now 1001 Colors, Cincinnati would be a little less than what it is, in terms of public art, how people feel about their community, and the ability of young people to find pathways into the arts.”

“At its core, it’s about the kids, and in doing that, they strengthen the community.”

Transitioning from ArtWorks to 1001 Colors

While the name has changed, Houston said the organization expects the transition to take time and plans to spend the next year reinforcing the connection between ArtWorks and 1001 Colors.

For the foreseeable future, Cincinnatians will see phrases such as “1001 Colors, formerly ArtWorks” and “ArtWorks is now 1001 Colors” across the organization’s website, social media channels, emails, signage, public programs and other community touchpoints. The dual branding is intended to help build recognition while maintaining the trust and familiarity associated with the ArtWorks name.

The effort will extend into the city’s public art landscape. As 1001 Colors prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its mural program in 2027, the organization plans a large-scale effort to reinstall plaques at murals throughout the region. The updated markers will feature the new branding and QR codes linking visitors to the organization’s website.

“We know that we will need to consistently reinforce recognition, trust, and clarity over time for our new name to be fully anchored in our community,” Houston told Movers & Makers. “Repetition and multiple points of exposure will be important to help establish this name for our audience.”

1001Colors.org