ArtsWave, the Cincinnati region’s arts engine, convened its 2025 Annual Meeting at the Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati on October 23, 2025. The event highlighted significant leadership transitions, including the election of Debbie Hayes as the new Board Chair, succeeding Leigh Fox. The meeting also celebrated progress towards ArtsWave 100, the organization’s centennial vision, and advancements in digital engagement through the ArtsWave App.

A key feature of the meeting was the awarding of the 2025 Rosa F. and Samuel B. Sachs Fund Prize to Kathy Wade, CEO and co-founder of Learning Through Art, Inc., and Gee Horton, a local interdisciplinary artist, for their contributions to artistic achievement and inclusion. Additionally, trustees approved 36 project grants totaling $208,000, distributed across Circle Grants, Pride Grants, and YP Grants, aimed at supporting diverse community arts initiatives and fostering a vibrant regional arts scene.

The organization also shared updates on its strategic direction, emphasizing continued long-term investment in regional arts stability and its goal to secure 100 legacy gifts for the ArtsWave 100 Endowment. Digital engagement continues to grow, with the ArtsWave App seeing increased downloads from new users and a significant rise in benefit redemptions. ArtsWave, established in 1927, remains dedicated to funding and advancing arts across the region.

Source: https://artswave.org/wp-content/uploads/10-23-25-ArtsWave-honors-arts-leaders-and-advances-key-initiatives-at-2025-Annual-Meeting.pdf