ArtsWave has announced the 2024-25 season of Flow, An African American Arts Experience, along with the return of its cross-venue subscription series, the Flow Pass. For $200, Flow Pass subscribers will gain access to five unique, Black-centered events, including subscriber-only gatherings with food, drinks, and artist talks. The series aims to highlight the richness of contemporary Black artistry and culture, fostering a greater appreciation for diverse expressions of Black art.

The Flow Pass season kicks off on October 5 with an unveiling event for Gee Horton’s three-part mural series, “Coming of Age,” which explores African American adolescence through a fusion of contemporary visuals and hip-hop iconography. Subsequent events include a Cincinnati Pops performance of “Simply the Best” in tribute to Tina Turner on January 17, 2025, and a performance by the acclaimed dance company Step Afrika! on March 11, 2025. The series also features Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s regional premiere of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” on June 19, and an exclusive conversation with conceptual artist Charles Gaines about his monumental project, “The American Manifest,” in the summer of 2025.

ArtsWave President & CEO Alecia Kintner emphasized that the Flow Pass is an opportunity to cultivate and grow an audience seeking Black-centered arts. Mel Gravely, Flow’s Co-Chair, added that the initiative aims to build an audience that appreciates varied Black artistry, ultimately supporting Black artists and creating a culturally curious, diverse audience. The Flow series, which began in 2020, complements existing multicultural offerings and is supported by various businesses, foundations, and individuals.

Source: https://artswave.org/wp-content/uploads/9-6-24-new-flow-season-announced-featuring-black-centered-arts-events-across-multiple-venues.pdf