ArtsWave, the Cincinnati region’s primary arts funding organization, distributed $160,726 through its Catalyzing Impact grant program, supporting 30 arts and cultural projects across the area. The grants, announced February 24, were designed to fund initiatives that connect communities and amplify regional voices, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

The organization received 93 applications requesting more than $730,000 in total funding. A panel of 13 community volunteers selected recipients, with ArtsWave’s Women’s Leadership Roundtable — a group of more than 680 women donors — participating in the review process for the first time. Notable recipients include ARTE’s “17 Neighborhoods” mural initiative across Hamilton, which received $10,000; May-We-Help’s Cincinnati Adaptive Arts and Music Camp, which received $10,000 for inclusive arts programming for individuals with disabilities; and AfriFest 2026, which received $5,000 for an African arts and culture celebration at Sawyer Point.

ArtsWave President and CEO Alecia Kintner said the funded projects “reflect the incredible imagination and collaboration happening across our region.” The Catalyzing Impact program is part of ArtsWave’s broader 2026 Community Campaign, which marks the 99th anniversary of the regional arts funding effort and is the largest community arts campaign in the country. The 2026 campaign, themed “Discover More,” runs through May 19.

Source: Movers & Makers