Press releases and announcements from Ohio's arts organizations
The Wexner Center for the Arts is hosting the Midwest debut of the most comprehensive exhibition to date of Guyanese British artist Hew Locke’s work, through May 24, 2026.
Read moreThe Wexner Center for the Arts presents five simultaneous spring exhibitions including Ximena Garrido-Lecca’s Seedings, alongside works by Hew Locke, Naeem Mohaiemen, Vitória Cribb, and Eric N. Mack.
Read moreArtsWave has awarded over $200,000 to 24 local artists through its 2026 Inspire Artist Grants, marking the sixth year of this vital program. The grants aim to provide financial and career support, encouraging artists to explore themes of truth, inspiration, and equity through their work. The funded projects span various artistic disciplines, including film, performance, and visual art, with a focus on diverse experiences and cultural heritage within the Cincinnati region. In addition to financial support, artists receive professional development opportunities and mentorship, culminating in a public showcase in July 2026.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center is launching its winter lineup of cooking classes at the Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio, inviting participants of all ages to explore global flavors and culinary science. Registration for the new classes opens on November 4, 2025. The offerings include hands-on sessions for homeschoolers, families, and adults, with diverse menus ranging from Asian street food to Mediterranean feasts. These programs aim to foster culinary skills, expand palates, and provide an engaging learning experience.
Read moreThe 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 moreSPACES has launched ‘Echo,’ a new artist residency program designed to support visual artists developing projects that engage with pressing issues and communities in Northeastern Ohio. The program will host two artists per quarter, one local and one from outside the region, to foster collaboration and idea exchange. Selected artists will receive financial support, lodging, and their work will be showcased in a public exhibition at SPACES. Applications for the 2027 residencies are open from November 10, 2025, to February 10, 2026, and are open to artists of all disciplines and locations.
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 moreArtsWave held its 2025 Annual Meeting on October 23, 2025, at the Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, marking leadership changes and celebrating community impact. Debbie Hayes was elected as the new Board Chair. The meeting also recognized Kathy Wade and Gee Horton with the Sachs Fund Prize for their artistic and inclusion efforts. Trustees approved $208,000 in grants for 36 community arts projects, supporting initiatives for Black and Brown experiences, the LGBTQ+ community, and young professionals. Progress towards the centennial vision, ArtsWave 100, and digital engagement through the ArtsWave App were also highlighted, underscoring ArtsWave’s commitment to a vibrant regional arts ecosystem.
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 moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum will host its first-ever Cincinnati Art Award Gala on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The event will honor Rhonda and Larry Sheakley for their extensive contributions to the arts and the community. This combined celebration aims to recognize their impact and raise essential funds for the museum’s exhibitions and programs. The museum will also officially name its Cincinnati Wing in their honor. The evening will feature a reception, dining, entertainment, and dancing, with proceeds supporting the museum’s future endeavors.
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 moreArtsWave is celebrating the fifth anniversary of “Flow, An African American Arts Experience” with its 2025-26 season, highlighting Black artistry across Cincinnati. The “Flow Pass” subscription offers access to four major events, including a solo art exhibition, a symphony concert honoring Martin Luther King Jr., a play by August Wilson, and an opera. Each event includes a pre-show “Flow Social.” The initiative aims to support Black artists and cultivate a diverse audience for the arts in the region. Subscriptions are currently on sale.
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 moreGCAC awarded $35,000 each to four Columbus artists: Cynthia Amoah, Russell Lepley, Jason Leon Moncrief, and Ori Segev. The Artists Elevated program rotates disciplines annually.
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 moreThe Canton Museum of Art (CMA) has launched a new Digital Guide, accessible via the free Bloomberg Connects mobile app. This partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies allows users to digitally explore CMA’s collections and exhibitions, alongside content from over 900 other cultural institutions worldwide. The app offers features like interactive maps, photo galleries, audio and video content, and accessibility options, aiming to make art more accessible to all. Director & CEO Max Barton highlighted the guide’s role in expanding the museum’s reach and enhancing visitor experiences. The CMA, a prominent institution focused on American art, is also celebrating its 90th Anniversary in 2025.
Read moreThe Canton Museum of Art (CMA) has secured a Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant, enabling the continuation of its Alpha-Romeo-Tango (ART) Program. This initiative offers free art classes to the Stark County military community, fostering creative self-expression and community bonds. The program, entering its second year, features 10-week sessions focused on clay creations, workshops, and collaborative art events aimed at enhancing well-being and resilience among military personnel and veterans. CMA Director & CEO Max Barton II highlighted the program’s alignment with the museum’s mission to make art accessible and beneficial for all, especially for those who serve. This grant is part of a larger national effort to support military communities through the arts.
Read moreThe Greater Columbus Arts Council approved $13.3 million in operating and general support grants to 40 arts organizations for 2025. The awards include $12.6 million in operating support for Columbus’s largest cultural institutions.
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 moreArtsWave has successfully concluded its 2025 Campaign, raising $12.3 million for the Cincinnati region’s arts organizations. The announcement, made on May 20, 2025, reflects a strong community commitment amidst economic challenges. Mel Gravely, the 2025 Campaign Chair, noted the arts’ essential role in the region’s vitality and economic prosperity. The funds will support over 150 arts entities, providing diverse programming and educational opportunities. James Zimmerman was announced as the Chair for the 2026 Campaign, as ArtsWave looks forward to continuing its support for the arts.
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 Canton Museum of Art (CMA) announced its upcoming spring exhibition season, opening on April 29 and running through July 27, 2025. The featured exhibitions include “APEIRON: The Eco-Art of John Sabraw,” which explores environmental themes through the artist’s unique collaborations with scientists. Also on display will be “Art & Activism: Perspectives from the CMA Collection,” highlighting works addressing social issues, and “This Riverbed is a Cradle,” showcasing Michelle Wentling’s fiber art. The museum will host a free opening celebration on May 1 from 5-7 pm, inviting the public to meet the artists and curators. These exhibitions promise to engage visitors with critical conversations about the environment and social justice.
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 moreArtsWave has awarded $316,916 through 56 Catalyzing Impact grants to support a wide array of arts and cultural projects throughout the Greater Cincinnati region. The grants aim to foster a vibrant and inclusive arts community and drive economic growth. The program is a key part of ArtsWave’s annual funding initiatives and is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the ArtsWave Community Campaign. This initiative seeks to empower creative endeavors, from youth education to community art installations, underscoring the vital role of the arts in regional vitality.
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 moreArtsWave has awarded $222,000 to 26 BIPOC artists through its 2025 Black and Brown Artist Program, marking the fifth year of this initiative. The grants support artists working in film, dance, literature, music, and visual arts, encouraging them to explore themes of equity and innovation. The program aims to foster a more inclusive arts ecosystem and provides professional development opportunities for the artists. This initiative is a collaboration involving the City of Cincinnati, Duke Energy, and ArtsWave’s donor community. ArtsWave plans to host a showcase event for the funded projects in the coming months.
Read moreCincinnati has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as one of the top 20 most arts-vibrant large communities in the U.S. according to the 2024 Arts Vibrancy Index by SMU DataArts. The report, which measures arts supply, demand, and government support, highlights Cincinnati’s significant economic impact and its strength in areas like earned revenue and arts worker compensation. ArtsWave leadership emphasized this ranking as proof of the arts’ role as a key driver of regional vibrancy and its success in attracting creative talent.
Read moreCuyahoga Arts and Culture approved $10.75 million in grants to 300 nonprofits for 2025 arts programming. Grants ranged from $1,505 for small project support to $872,000 for Playhouse Square’s operations.
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 moreThe Canton Museum of Art (CMA) will unveil four new exhibitions starting November 26, 2024, marking the beginning of its winter season. The centerpiece exhibition, “Bohemian Chrysalis: Unveiling Cleveland’s Infamous Kokoon Klub,” will revisit the influential and avant-garde arts scene in Cleveland during the early to mid-20th century. The museum will also present “Night Visions: Nocturnes in American Art,” exploring artistic interpretations of nighttime. Contemporary artist Kit Palencar’s work will be showcased in “Arriving Somewhere, But Not Here,” focusing on profound mysteries of existence. Lastly, J. Leigh Garcia’s “El Albañil” will feature her work in printmaking, papermaking, and sculpture, delving into themes of identity and heritage. These exhibitions aim to provide a diverse and engaging experience for visitors, celebrating both regional artistic history and contemporary voices. The shows will run until March 2, 2025.
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