Press releases and announcements from Ohio's arts organizations
The powerful international exhibition, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away., opens at Cincinnati Museum Center this Saturday, featuring over 500 original artifacts. This is the largest collection of artifacts from Auschwitz ever displayed outside of Europe. The exhibition explores the history of the camp, the lives of its prisoners and perpetrators, and the importance of remembrance.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) has opened applications for floral artists worldwide to participate in its 2026 “Art in Bloom” event, taking place from April 23-26, 2026. This popular annual exhibition invites artists at all career stages to create floral designs inspired by CAM’s extensive art collection. The application deadline is January 12, 2026. “Art in Bloom” is celebrated for uniting art and nature, drawing significant visitor numbers and offering artists a unique creative outlet. A juried process will select the participating artists for this esteemed event.
Read moreHeights Arts is set to introduce new public art in Cleveland Heights’ Cedar Lee and Coventry districts by the end of 2026, funded by $250,000 in ARPA grants. The initiative, a collaboration with LAND Studio, will feature murals in Cedar Lee and installations, including a performance shell, in Coventry. The project aims to revitalize business districts and reinforce Cleveland Heights’ identity as an arts destination. A call for local artists for the Cedar Lee murals will open on October 31, 2025, with an information session scheduled for November 12.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) has launched a new strategic plan for 2026-2029, centered on deepening community connections, organizational sustainability, and radical hospitality. The plan aims to integrate the museum further into civic life and enhance community wellbeing. Key components include expanding wellness programs, modernizing facilities, and improving the visitor experience through new exhibits and digital enhancements. As CAM looks toward its 150th anniversary in 2031, this strategy emphasizes art’s role in fostering joy, learning, and creative innovation.
Read moreCincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is set to host its winter STEM Girls programs, offering free educational opportunities for students in grades 3-8. The initiative, which partners with organizations like RAPTOR Inc., the Cincinnati Observatory, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, aims to introduce young people to STEM fields and address the gender gap. Registration begins on September 30, providing a chance for children to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through engaging, real-world connections.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is launching its new Cr(eat)e Café on October 2, offering a convenient dining option designed to fuel extended museum visits. Located near The Children’s Museum, the café will serve allergy-friendly kid favorites and quick bites. This initiative aims to enhance the visitor experience by providing accessible and energizing food choices, complementing CMC’s existing dining facilities. The Cr(eat)e Café’s menu will feature items such as flatbreads, sandwiches, wraps, and classic children’s meals.
Read moreCincinnati Museum Center’s fossil collection has expanded significantly following a successful seven-week field season in Montana. In collaboration with the Elevation Science Institute, museum staff and over 150 volunteers unearthed hundreds of dinosaur fossils from Bureau of Land Management sites. The fossils, including large sauropod femora and Allosaurus toes, were carefully excavated, encased in protective plaster jackets, and transported to CMC’s collection facility. Further preparation and study will occur in CMC’s Paleo Lab, where visitors can observe the process. The museum’s vertebrate paleontology collection, one of the nation’s largest, features specimens dating back to 1818, with significant dinosaur and Ice Age mammal fossils on display.
Read moreCincinnati Museum Center’s newest OMNIMAX film, “Ohio: Wild at Heart,” will premiere on October 24th. The documentary, narrated by Archie Griffin, showcases the state’s natural beauty and conservation efforts. Produced in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and MacGillivray Freeman Films, the film explores Ohio’s diverse ecosystems, from its parks to its waterways. It aims to inspire audiences with the wild beauty and ecological resilience of the Buckeye State.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) has announced its new Board Officers and Trustees for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, effective September 1, 2025. Bruce Petrie, Jr. will serve as Chair, Andrew Quinn as President, Eric Kearney as Vice President, Cheryl Rose as Treasurer, and Jake Ragland as Secretary. The museum also welcomed four new trustees: Shakila Ahmad, Ivy Bayer, Ryan Hays, and Kristi Nelson, along with Natalie Leonard who joins as trustee in her capacity as President of the CAM Catalysts.
Read moreHeights Arts has announced its 2025-2026 music season, featuring ten concerts across its Close Encounters, Gallery Concerts, and ARTbar series. The season aims to highlight local talent in diverse musical genres and intimate settings throughout Cleveland Heights. Highlights include chamber music by elite performers, free gallery concerts featuring world music and klezmer, and ARTbar events blending music, art, and cocktails. Additionally, the organization will offer open rehearsals for Close Encounters performances, providing educational insights into the musical preparation process. This programming reinforces Heights Arts’ mission to celebrate and share the contributions of regional artists with the community.
Read moreThe Columbus Arts Festival, set for June 12-14, 2026, has opened applications for visual artists, emerging artists, performing artists, and food vendors. The 64th annual event, organized by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, will take place on the downtown Columbus riverfront. Visual artists can apply in 16 categories, with a special program for emerging artists from Central Ohio. Informational meetings for interested artists will be held in the fall.
Read moreThe Tony Award-winning musical ‘Suffs’ is set to make its Cleveland debut at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace from February 3 to 22, 2026. The musical, lauded for its inspiring and entertaining portrayal of the women’s suffrage movement, features book, music, and lyrics by Shaina Taub. Single tickets go on sale August 26, 2025. ‘Suffs’ explores the passionate fight for voting rights and the complex dynamics within the movement. This acclaimed production follows its successful Broadway run and a North American tour launch.
Read moreThe Canton Museum of Art has announced its 2025-26 exhibition season, coinciding with its 90th anniversary. The season, from August 2025 to July 2026, features over nine new exhibitions, with a major highlight being “Shattered Glass: The Women Who Elevated American Art.” This landmark exhibition will showcase the influential work of female artists across 250 years of American art history, drawing from national and private collections. Fall exhibitions open August 26, including “Impressions En Plein Air” and “Stories Worth Painting.” “Shattered Glass” will debut November 25, 2025, and will be accompanied by related programs from community partners. The season also includes spring exhibitions like “Reclaimed: The Art of Recology” and “Earth, Fire, Water,” further enriching the museum’s offerings and celebrating its enduring presence.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum is set to host “What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD Magazine” from November 21, 2025, to March 1, 2026. The exhibition will delve into the 70-year history of the influential publication, showcasing over 150 original artworks and memorabilia. Curated by Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and Steve Brodner, it highlights MAD’s impact on satire and cultural critique. The show traces the magazine’s journey from its comic book beginnings to its status as a mainstream cultural commentator. Admission details and special free viewing opportunities are also outlined in the announcement.
Read moreCincinnati Opera’s 106th anniversary season at Music Hall runs June 18 through August 2, 2026, featuring the world premiere of ‘Lalovavi’ and the launch of the company’s Black Opera Project.
Read moreCincinnati Opera’s 2026 Summer Festival runs June 18–August 2 at Music Hall, featuring a world premiere Afrofuturist opera by Kevin Day and the launch of the company’s new Black Opera Project.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is launching The Vontz Family Education, Research and Collections Center, a new facility aimed at centralizing and enhancing the preservation and study of regional history. The $45 million project will repurpose the former Heidelberg Distributing building on Dalton Avenue. This initiative seeks to consolidate the museum’s vast collections, making them more accessible for research and public engagement. The center represents a significant investment in the West End and Queensgate neighborhoods.
Read moreCleveland Play House presents the world premiere of the musical Freak the Mighty, running May 22–June 21, 2026, in co-production with Seattle Rep.
Read moreThe Columbus Symphony has named Maureen O’Brien as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 15, 2025. O’Brien previously served as Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the New World Symphony. In her new role, she will oversee all orchestral operations and lead a capital campaign for a new performing arts hall. The appointment is seen as a significant step towards artistic excellence and community engagement for the central Ohio ensemble. O’Brien expressed her excitement to foster an inclusive future for the arts in Columbus.
Read moreMaureen O’Brien has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Columbus Symphony, effective July 15, 2025. O’Brien, formerly of the New World Symphony, brings extensive experience in arts leadership, fundraising, and community engagement. She will oversee all operations of the orchestra and lead the initiative to build a new performing arts hall. O’Brien emphasized her commitment to making the symphony accessible and reflective of the Columbus community. The appointment comes as the CSO prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
Read moreThe 2025 Columbus Arts Festival, presented by the American Electric Power Foundation, will feature over 230 exhibiting artists from 31 states and Canada. The festival, running June 6-8 on the Columbus downtown riverfront, will include 10 returning award-winning artists and 19 Emerging Festival Artists from central Ohio.
Read moreOpera Columbus has announced the five finalists for its 41st annual Cooper-Bing Competition. The prestigious event, a launchpad for emerging opera talent, will take place on Sunday, May 18th, at the Southern Theatre. Finalists will vie for a $10,000 grand prize among other awards. This year’s competition attracted 284 applicants from around the world, showcasing a wide range of talent and repertoire. The event aims to support and promote the next generation of opera stars and foster operatic arts in the community.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum presents “Farm to Table: Food and Identity in the Age of Impressionism,” an exhibition exploring the intersection of art, food, and identity in late 19th-century France. Featuring over 60 works by artists like Monet and Van Gogh, the exhibition examines how artists depicted societal shifts related to agriculture and dining.
Read moreThe Foundation for Italian Art & Culture (FIAC) has awarded the Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) and its Director, Cameron Kitchin, the 2024 Excellency Award for their significant contributions to promoting Italian culture. This honor recognizes CAM’s collaborations with FIAC, including recent projects like the research, conservation, and exhibition of Tintoretto’s ‘Genesis’.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center will unveil its new exhibition, ‘Barbie™: A Cultural Icon,’ on Friday, April 4, 2025. The exhibition traces the 66-year history of the iconic doll, showcasing her impact on fashion and culture. Visitors can expect to see over 300 artifacts, highlighting Barbie’s evolution and her role as a global phenomenon and a source of inspiration. The display aims to connect with visitors by evoking childhood memories and celebrating Barbie’s cultural significance.
Read moreThe Ohio History Connection announced its 2025 Ohio History Fund grant recipients, distributing $189,660 to 12 organizations statewide. This 13th annual program supports projects focused on preserving and sharing Ohio’s history. Grants will fund initiatives like app development, building restoration, artifact preservation, and enhanced public access to historical resources. Projects range from restoring stained-glass windows at Mt. Tabor Church to rehousing archival materials for the Women Religious Archives Collaborative. Check presentations are scheduled throughout March and April.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum announced details for its upcoming Art in Bloom event, scheduled for April 24-27, 2025. This four-day celebration will feature 65 floral artists from around the world, inspired by the museum’s collection. The event will also include appearances by social media star Alexis Nikole Nelson, also known as Black Forager, and acclaimed floral artist Natasja Sadi.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is hosting “MAX Madness,” a tournament where 16 OMNIMAX films compete for the title of champion. Public voting opens on March 3, with updated brackets released weekly until a winner is crowned on March 31. Participants can fill out digital or printed brackets for a chance to win OMNIMAX tickets. The competition includes a variety of film genres, from nature documentaries to historical features. The winning film and the Final Four will be screened again at the OMNIMAX Theater.
Read moreCincinnati Museum Center and the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center are set to host “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.” starting October 18, 2025. This exhibition will bring over 500 artifacts and 400 photographs, representing the largest collection of Auschwitz artifacts outside of Europe to be shown in North America. The display aims to educate visitors about the Holocaust and honor the victims. The opening aligns with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz camp.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) has announced that registration for its 2025 Summer Museum Camps will open soon. Camps are available for students entering grades K-6 and will offer themed programs such as Harry Potter, LEGO Movie Magic, and Paleontology. CMC Members can register starting January 29, while the general public can register beginning February 5. These camps aim to provide an engaging and educational summer experience for children.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center is releasing “Four Cincinnatis and Other Essays,” a compilation of 88 essays by historian Dan Hurley, reflecting on his 45-year career studying the city. The book, a collaboration with Mount St. Joseph University Press, will be available at the museum starting November 25. Proceeds from the sales are designated to support the museum’s History Library and Archives.
Read moreHeights Arts is actively seeking applications for its 12th Poet Laureate, a prestigious two-year position beginning in April 2025. This important role will coincide with the organization’s 25th anniversary. The Poet Laureate will receive a stipend, participate in community events, and manage the “Ekphrastacy” series. Interested poets are invited to an informational session on November 11th, with applications open from November 1st to December 31st, 2024. Applicants must have a connection to Cleveland Heights or reside there to be considered for this esteemed literary honor.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) will host its fifth annual adults-only “Layers of Innovation” event on November 8. The evening offers attendees a unique opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits with drinks and food in hand. Proceeds from the event will support CMC’s programming and exhibits. This year’s event will highlight new and reimagined exhibits, featuring a variety of local vendors and entertainment. Early bird tickets are currently available for purchase.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) announced it will host the new exhibition, “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life.” This immersive exhibition will explore the life and culinary impact of American culinary pioneer Julia Child. The exhibition is set to open on February 1, 2025. “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” aims to showcase Child’s insatiable curiosity and tenacious spirit. Created and toured by Flying Fish, the exhibition invites guests to rediscover the beloved figure who made cooking accessible and enjoyable for many Americans.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center is set to honor Helen Black and Cathy Chapman with the John A. Ruthven Medal of Distinction. The two lifelong naturalists are being recognized for their significant contributions to conservation and the preservation of natural spaces. The award ceremony will take place on November 12. CMC leadership highlighted their extensive work in land preservation and their impactful environmental stewardship.
Read moreCirque du Soleil is bringing its first-ever Christmas show, ‘Twas the Night Before,’ to Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. The production, inspired by the classic poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas,’ promises a festive experience filled with acrobatics, a heartwarming story, and beloved Christmas music. Performances are scheduled from December 4 to December 15, 2024, at the KeyBank State Theatre. Tickets go on sale to the general public on July 26, following an early sale for Cirque Club members. This show represents Cirque du Soleil’s expansion into holiday-themed entertainment.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center is presenting “Lens of History: A Celebration of People, Spaces and Emotions,” an exhibition featuring over 200 photographs that explore the history of Black Cincinnati. Curated by Toilynn O’Neal Turner, the collection spans from the 1800s to the 2000s, showcasing the work of Black photographers and community archives. This exhibition is part of the 2024 FotoFocus Biennial. It offers a visual narrative of the Black experience, identity, and heritage within the city, providing a comprehensive look at the community’s evolving story.
Read moreHeights Arts is hosting its third annual ‘HEART in the Heights’ raffle throughout July 2024. The event aims to raise funds for the nonprofit’s various art programs, including literary, musical, and visual arts initiatives. More than seventy local businesses are participating by donating raffle prizes and encouraging ticket sales. This collaborative effort seeks to support both the arts community and local commerce in Cleveland. Raffle tickets are available for purchase online and at participating businesses, with proceeds directly benefiting Heights Arts’ mission.
Read moreThe Columbus Arts Festival will host its ‘Fashion as Art’ runway show on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m. on the Genoa Park Main Stage. Organized by local designer Celeste Malvar-Stewart, the event will feature avant-garde and high-end couture from four Columbus-based designers. The show aims to highlight the artistic merit of fashion. The runway show is free to attend and is part of the larger Columbus Arts Festival, which runs from June 7-9.
Read moreHeights Arts is raising alarms about the potential displacement of nonprofit organizations and artists from the Coventry PEACE Campus due to lease uncertainties. The organization emphasizes the campus’s critical role in the local arts scene and community vitality. Heights Arts is advocating for solutions to ensure the facility’s continued use as a hub for nonprofits and the arts, warning of negative impacts on the Coventry commercial district and surrounding neighborhoods if these organizations are forced to leave.
Read moreThe 2024 Columbus Arts Festival, running June 7-9 on the downtown riverfront, will host over 250 artists from across the U.S. and Canada. The festival, produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, highlights returning award winners and a robust Emerging Festival Artist program. Artists were selected through a blind jury process, emphasizing quality and presentation. This annual event serves as a significant platform for artists and a cultural draw for the city.
Read moreThe 2024 Columbus Arts Festival will take place from June 7-9 on the downtown riverfront, featuring over 250 local and national artists. Produced by GCAC and presented by the American Electric Power Foundation, the event promises a wide array of art for sale, live performances across multiple stages, and family-friendly activities. The festival aims to kick off the summer season with exceptional art, music, food, and community engagement.
Read moreThe 2024 Columbus Arts Festival, running June 7-9, will feature extensive interactive opportunities for all ages. Presented by the American Electric Power Foundation and produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the event includes a Hands-On Activities Village with crafts and performances, as well as teen-focused workshops. Attendees can also explore children’s and teen art galleries, meet local artists in the Big Local Arts Village, and engage with various arts organizations. The festival aims to blend viewing art with active participation and creative learning along the riverfront.
Read morePlayhouse Square has announced its 2024-2025 KeyBank Broadway Series, which includes seven major productions. The lineup features a strong collection of award-winning shows, including Tony winners “Kimberly Akimbo,” “Parade,” and “Some Like It Hot.” The series also includes “A Beautiful Noise,” “Life of Pi,” “& Juliet,” and “Shucked.” Season tickets are now available for purchase, offering discounts and other benefits to patrons. This announcement highlights Cleveland’s significant role in the national touring Broadway circuit, as Playhouse Square hosts one of the largest season ticket holder communities in North America.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center is introducing a new exhibit, “Kids’ Town Park,” in The Children’s Museum on June 28, 2024. This interactive space is designed to promote early literacy skills in children aged 0-6 through a variety of engaging, park-themed play activities. The exhibit aims to build language foundations by encouraging interaction with letters, words, and sounds. Research emphasizes the critical role of early word exposure in a child’s overall development and future academic success. “Kids’ Town Park” provides a stimulating environment for both children and adults to develop essential literacy habits.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center is preparing for the upcoming solar eclipse by giving away free eclipse glasses. Starting March 22, the first 100 viewers of the OMNIMAX® film ‘Deep Sky’ each weekend will receive glasses. The museum is also hosting special weekend programming for families, including educational and entertaining activities related to space exploration. On the day of the eclipse, April 8, an outdoor viewing event will be held, with additional free glasses available. A music video has been released to build excitement for these events.
Read moreThe Cincinnati History Museum has been ranked among the top three best history museums in the country by USA TODAY’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards for 2024. The Cincinnati Museum Center’s Children’s Museum also received national recognition, placing in the top five. This dual recognition highlights the quality of the institutions within the Cincinnati Museum Center. The Cincinnati History Museum features exhibits that explore over 250 years of the city’s heritage.
Read moreThe Columbus Arts Festival, running June 7-9, is now offering VIP Patron Packages for those seeking an enhanced experience. The $150 package includes a ticket to the exclusive opening night Patron Party on Friday, June 7, featuring cocktails and live performances. Attendees will also receive access to a VIP hospitality area, drink tickets, a festival T-shirt, and other amenities. Importantly, proceeds from these packages will fund the festival’s Artist Awards, supporting exhibiting artists with cash prizes. The festival is presented by the American Electric Power Foundation.
Read moreOhio fourth graders can now access numerous history museums, including the Cincinnati Museum Center and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, for free thanks to the new Fourth Grade History Pass program. Spearheaded by America 250-Ohio, this initiative aims to connect young students with their state’s history in preparation for the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026. The program provides vouchers for free admission, available through the end of 2026, encouraging educational exploration and engagement with historical sites across the state. This statewide opportunity is intended to supplement school curricula and cultivate a deeper understanding of historical significance.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) has secured Mayfield Brain & Spine as the naming sponsor for its new gallery focused on biology, technology, and workforce development. This gallery will be a permanent exhibit within the Museum of Natural History & Science. The new exhibit is set to open in the summer of 2024 and will explore body systems, health, innovation, and healthcare. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to public education and health.
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