Black Art Speaks, a nonprofit collective at the forefront of African American art and culture in Cincinnati, made a dual impact during this year’s BLINK Festival, with two large-scale projects: the premiere of the short film *”We Love Us”* and the unveiling of the newly redesigned Black Lives Matter mural at Cincinnati’s City Hall.
This year’s art and light festival offers a new accessibility guide, maps and on-site support.
BLINK, and you might miss it. For four days every two years, the cityscape of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky comes alive with the nation’s largest festival of light, art and projections. BLINK Cincinnati dominates this week’s cultural calendar, of course, but there’s more here to enjoy.
The map details exact locations of all the light projections, newly painted murals, activations, live music performances, suggested walking routes and other key locations, such as prime drone viewing spots and hospitality areas.
The new fiberglass and stainless steel sculpture by Tom Tsuchiya is at the southeast corner of Court Street Plaza.
“With Music Hall, you’re not just dealing with a uniform surface with a mural painted on it,” said animator Chaske Haverkos, one of four artists creating five-minute installations for the 140-year-old building’s expansive façade. “You have to engage with it in a completely different way. It’s all about the architecture.”
The months-long series of programs will run Sept. 11 to Nov. 13. Events will center around music, visual art, food and creative storytelling of people from around the world.
The nomination process is open through Sept. 15. BLINK organizers will announce the winners by the end of that month.
Local and regional artists will join peers from around the world to create an assortment of light-based installations, animated murals and interactive art pieces.
The parade will kick off the four-day BLINK festival on opening night. This year’s theme is “Let it Shine.”
