Tried and True

Earlier this year, ArtsWave created the Truth and Reconciliation commissioning grant program, designed to uplift the artistry and experiences of people of color through projects addressing the dual themes of “truth” and “reconciliation.”

The initial project grant funded a collection of 27 projects by local artists, reflecting a variety of artistic disciplines and approaches to the theme. The projects culminated in a a three-part Artist Showcase, with live performances at Memorial Hall and a visual art exhibition and film short screenings at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The exhibition, with works by Gee Horton, Rebecca Nava Soto, Brent Billingsley, and others, continues through Oct. 31.

Truth and Reconciliation Visual Art Exhibition at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

This was not a sudden decision by ArtsWave, though. For many years, ArtsWave has been committed to making inclusion a hallmark of the region’s arts. To reach that goal, ArtsWave worked with local organizations to promote the voices of all artists in the community and build audiences that reflect the entire region. During the past two years, ArtsWave took concrete steps toward backing up that commitment, including a concert series featuring top Black performers from around the world and the grant program for Black and Brown artists.

If You Go

Norm Lewis: Naughty and Nice
Dec. 3 and 4
Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St.
Buy tickets

One of Broadway’s most sought-after leading men – the incomparable Norm Lewis – is coming to Cincinnati to ring in the Holiday Season with his Musical Director/Arranger, Broadway’s Joseph Joubert, and their swinging’ band.

The Tony-nominated star has become synonymous with Christmas, and his annual shows in New York City have become the barometer for celebrating the yuletide season with some of the greatest Christmas songs and Broadway showstoppers from his career, as well as selections from his best-selling “The Norm Lewis Christmas Album.”

ArtsWave launched Flow, an African American Arts Experience in February of last year. This series of events, featuring top Black artists from around the world, celebrated African American culture and artistic expression. Though the pandemic disrupted Flow’s inaugural season, it is returning this December with “Norm Lewis: Naughty and Nice,” starring one of Broadway’s most sought-after leading men in a special holiday performance.

This week, ArtsWave opened its second round of Truth and Reconciliation Project Grants for Black and Brown Artists. Black and Brown artists living in the Cincinnati region are encouraged to apply for up to $15,000 to create a work, in any artistic discipline. All artists selected for commissioning grants will be asked to involve community members and to complete their projects by Summer 2022. ArtsWave will again collaborate with local partners to execute the program. Approximately 10 to 12 commissions are likely to be awarded in this round.

Projects will be selected based on eligibility guidelines and how they advance ArtsWave’s Blueprint for Collective Action, including the powerful goals of bridging cultural divides, promoting understanding and empathy, deepening the roots of residents, and improving neighborhoods. The application deadline is October 29, 2021.

Artists can find eligibility guidelines, program requirements and application instructions for Truth and Reconciliation Grants at artswave.org/apply.