A Light Touch

Earlier this week, BLINK announced the first wave of artists set to transform Cincinnati into the nation's largest immersive event this fall

The outdoor awe-inspiring event announced 14 international artists from 4 continents and 18 local artists/installations for large scale projection mapping, murals and interactive light sculptures throughout the urban core and into Covington, Oct. 13–16.

Shantell Martin

Shantell Martin is a visual artist, intuitive philosopher, cultural facilitator, teacher, choreographer, songwriter, performer, and more. From fashion and celebrity collaborations to adjunct professor positions at MIT Media Lab, NYU Tisch ITP, Columbia University’s Brown Institute, and choreographing a ballet at the Boston Ballet, Shantell’s LINE constantly evolves. Creating new connections between fine art, education, design, philosophy, and technology, Shantell explores themes such as intersectionality, identity, and play.

Case Maclaim

A German urban artist native to Frankfurt, Andres Von Chrzanowski (a.k.a. CASE or CASE Maclaim) is a graffiti painter who relies on his highly developed talent to create pieces that combine brilliant photorealism with a strong note of surrealism. This artist primarily uses spray paint as this street art technique enables him to get the most out of his visuals and achieve the level of perfection his incredibly life-like graffiti possesses. One of Andres Von Chrzanowski’s most common pictorial motifs are the overlaying hands that symbolize unity and power. It should also be noted that CASE is a founding member of the renown East- Germany Maclaim Crew, a group that has been the urban expression’s photorealism pioneer for over two decades now.

Add Fuel

Add Fuel is Portuguese visual artist Diogo Machado. A former graphic designer, his artistic practice has been focused on reinterpreting and playing with the language of traditional tile design,and that of the Portuguese tin-glazed ceramic azulejo in particular.

Blending traditional and contemporary elements, his original vector-based designs and stencil-based street art reveal an impressive complexity and a masterful attention to detail. Based on a combination of tessellations that create balance from symmetrical repetitions and visual illusion techniques such as trompe-l’oeil, his multi-layered patterned compositions create a poetic rhythm that plays with the viewer’s perception and the possibilities of interpretation. He has been showcasing his work in both solo and group exhibitions since 2006, as well as participating in some of the world’s leading urban art events.

PichiAvo i

PichiAvo is Juan Antonio (Pichi, b. 1977) and Álvaro (Avo, b.1985), a duo of street artists from Valencia (Spain).

Recognised for their skill at creating connections between painting and sculpture in urban settings, they adopt a thoroughly innovative approach in their artistic fusions. A balanced combination of classical art and the most contemporary urban art can be identified in their work. From the outset PichiAvo shunned artistic individuality, joining forces to create an absolutely unique body of work using a conceptually urban idiom, both in the street and in the studio.

PichiAvo’s career has attained artistic recognition and popularity on an international scale, establishing them among the most prominent street artists on the current urban art scene.

Wendy Yu

Wendy Yu is an interdisciplinary artist who works at the intersections of dance and urban media art. Utilizing dance and computer systems, she designs interactive works and builds large-scale immersive experiences to public spaces. Elevating forms of dance such breakdancing, which has typically been segregated to the streets, to the contemporary abstract art landscape. Representing the athletes and histories of local dance communities by creating inspiration and awe amongst viewers of a wider and more diverse background.

This is Loop

Loop is a collaborative artistic partnership founded by Harriet Lumby and Alan Hayes.

Based in their Somerset studio they have established a reputation for creating large scale audio visual experiential installations. With a practice focussing on utilising reflections and illusion this has created a common theme throughout their visually impactful architectural style work.

Their playful sculptures often with a futuristic aesthetic invite audiences to be engulfed by, at times, intense and challenging choreographed audio visual journeys. Frequently working collaboratively with sound artists and musicians has helped to elevate their work allowing deeper exploration of ideas and concepts and enhancing the bond between audience members and the works themselves. They have a track record in creating both large scale site specific work as well touring installations and have successfully done this both in the UK and internationally.

Vince Fraser

Having worked in the creative industry as a professional digital illustrator for over twenty years, the progression to visual arts was a natural one. Fraser’s work has continued to evolve and he sees himself as a new breed of artist in the digital age, combining a variety of skills including film and motion. With a keen eye for detail, he is always experimenting in a playful way whilst pushing the boundaries from a visual aspect. Bridging the gap between fantasy and reality, Fraser’s mission is to inspire, educate, and empower positive images of the African diaspora. Previous client work includes Nike, MTV and Adobe, just to name a few, while Vince also gained the attention of various musicians like Erykah Badu, Outkast and Usher.

Michael Coppage

Michael Coppage is originally from Chicago and now resides in Cincinnati. He studied at Memphis College of Art and obtained a BFA degree with an emphasis in sculpture. He continued his education and obtained an MFA degree from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts(PAFA) with an emphasis in sculpture and mixed media.

Jason Snell

My name is Jason Snell, I bring the creative thunder with more than 20 years of experience in professional design, illustration, motion, management and client services. I’m a creative – everything from artist, designer, musician, Cincinnati sports fan and father. I have worked with major brands including Amazon, ESPN, Heineken, Mountain Dew, Taco Bell and Virgin America. I have also built local partnerships with neighborhood icons like the Florence Y’alls (Minor League Baseball), Haile Foundation and Habitat Skateboards. My goal is to help my clients and partners creatively problem solve, increase awareness, and create wonderful work in our communities that inspire and excite.

Lightborne

Lightborne opened its doors in 1985 with one goal – to be the best film production house in Cincinnati. Today our goal is equally simple – to create jaw-dropping visual solutions. From TV commercials to social, digital, concerts, experiential, and XR – we believe in the art of storytelling and the need to engage our emotions. We thrive on collaboration with our clients, and the results speak for themselves – original, unexpected, and memorable work at the highest caliber.

Architects of Air

The luminarium’s pneumatic environment, in its organic purity, provides a utopian vessel to contain light’s radiant brilliance and subtle hues. Through labyrinthine tunnels and cavernous domes visitors move in a medium of saturated color, in a world apart from the normal and everyday, accompanied by a gentle sensory soundscape.It is a paradox that such a stimulating environment can also be so calming, comforting and many people find the luminarium a place for rest or contemplation.Visitors try to put their experience into words – comparing the experience to like walking through a stained glass window, a futuristic space station, or like being inside a gigantic strange breathing organic but comforting creature.No two visits to a structure are alike as the atmosphere inside alters according to changing weather and light outside. How the visitor responds to the luminarium modifies the experience for other visitors – each visitor becomes part of a living, inhabited sculpture that is the luminarium experience.

Mz. Icar

Mz. Icar is an anonymous art collective. We were established in 2018. Our members include an Illustrator, Photographer, Designer, Prop Stylist, Street Artist, and Collage Artist. We started this collective to create works that celebrate women, global blackness, and fun. We create narratives in the form of mixed-media street art and fine art that explore history and imagine the best case scenario future from the perspective of women and people of color.

DogFish Crew

The DogFish is a historic Burning Man Art Car or “Mutant Vehicle” that has participated in the storied desert based art and culture event for the last 23 years. While historically Reno, NV based, the car was recently handed down to a Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Designer, maker and long time Burner and has found it’s way to the Midwest for the first time. For those unfamiliar, Burning Man is a nearly two week long gathering in the Nevada desert during which tens of thousands of people from around the world come together to create a participative temporary metropolis” based around art, music and community in the Nevada Desert or “playa” as it’s called. TheDogFish Crew is hoping to bring a little piece of the Burning Man magic and wonder to Cincinnati for BLINK in 2022.

Jessica Wolf

I have been a creator of things for as long as I can remember. Focusing on printmaking and photography, I graduated from Murray State University in 2003. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art under my belt, I worked in the package design industry until I eventually branched off to dedicate my time to my own business, Paper Acorn, in 2009. While growing my paper crafting business, I have continued to create fine art, show my work in galleries, and create custom installations for private and corporate spaces in the Cincinnati area and beyond.

Mallory Feltz

Mallory Feltz is a visual artist originally from Dayton, Ohio who is interested in a wide variety of materials and has always enjoyed building things. She earned her BFA in Sculpture from the University of Cincinnati, Design Architecture Art & Planning, in 2006, and completed her MFA in Sculpture in 2009 at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.

Lindz and Lamb

As their style evolves, Lindz and Lamb will continue to share their vibrant art, while building community with artists around the globe. Though they call Denver home, they make regular trips for customized mural installations. When they’re not painting, they run a printing and art consulting studio in Denver called Like Minded Productions.

Graffmapping

Art is constantly changing, nowadays there are many graffiti artists that are now designers and they are now a mixture between traditional graffiti,graphic design, industrial design, robotics, architecture, street art and everything that is to come in the future. As technology develops every year in all aspects, you can also see it in the world of mural arts. Our passion is to experiment with new ideas through this long process of research that has no end. This year, Graffmapping will integrate projection mapping onto an existing iconic mural, Cincinnati Toy Heritage, an ArtWorks Mural, designed by local artist Jonathan Queen.

Antaless Visual Design

Antaless Visual Design was born in 2013, and is the result of the artistic and professional evolution of its CEO, Alessio Cassaro. With strong technical competences in the audio-visual field (gained in over 15 years of experience), numerous international awards and a boundless passion for the visual arts, Alessio is today the creative director of the studio. Under his careful guidance, a team of professionals, with multidisciplinary production skills, collaborates synergistically to create innovative, immersive, and mind-blowing multimedia experiences. Specialized in architectural mapping, Alessio has rewritten the geometries and volumes of some of the world’s architectural heritage, and has painted imaginative worlds in support of multimedia shows, concerts, festivals, theatrical performances, commercial and institutional events.

NeSpoon

Situated somewhere between street art, pottery, paintings, sculpture and jewelry, NeSpoon is a Polish street artist. On a mission to embroider the world, she enriches the already diverse urban art with her own unique brand of lace art. By using intricate doily patterns, the artist beautifies abandoned and unadorned spaces in unlikely urban jungles, transforming them into stunning works of art. Her process is based on an almost forgotten tradition of doily making, but NeSpoon has managed to take this humble domestic trait, successfully apply it in the streets (and on a much larger scale), giving the practice new possibilities, and new life. From lace murals and etched images to 3D lace installations perfectly attached to everyday things and intricate filigree in walls, trees or cracks in the sidewalks, she often provides harsh cityscapes with a new softness. Always working with respect for the spot and the local context, NeSpoon finds her inspiration in the local textile traditions. By choosing an art form associated with women, she celebrates its femininity and harmony it creates.

MASARY Studios

MASARY Studios is an interdisciplinary artist collective reconsidering environments through site-specific installations using sound, light, interactivity, and performance. Based in Boston, the studio’s practice includes live percussion performance, electronic music and production, facade projection-mapped video, artistic research, technology and materials fabrication, and the expansive use of animation. The studio is artist-owned and managed and was founded in 2015.

Sonny Day

Sonny Day is one half of WYBK. Their work is a conversation between two individuals played out in color, shape, texture and drawing from their shared influences – comic books, skateboarding, music and film. Sonny and Biddy worked and exhibited individually when they met in 2001. They began combining their talents in 2006, creating screen-printed posters for Popfrenzy tours on their living room floor, and have been working as a team ever since. Today they work for clients big and small around the world.

OGE CreativeGroup

OGE CreativeGroup / OGE Group / OGE Architects specialize in architecture, urban and branding projects with highly creative, inspiring character. In 3 words: “Creative – Young – Workaholics”. It is the mixture and the cross interference of different projects and tasks which keep OGE’s work fresh and always pushed to the limits.

All our projects are about emotions. A design or a project that doesn’t trigger emotions or challenges perception is hardly noteworthy nor successful. The relation between customers and/or visitors to our projects are essential for their success: they should be lovable, surprising, challenging, intriguing, social, inspiring, amazing, colorful, remarkable, distinguishable … and outstanding from the rest.t

Sean Van Praag

With over a decade experience as a freelance animator, designer, and director, Sean has had the opportunity to work all over the country at some of the top studios and clients in the industry. His work includes direction, illustration, 2D and 3D animation, storyboarding, VFX, and concept development. His projects have been quite diverse, consisting of commercials, projection art, stage visuals, explainer videos, film titles, and music videos. He’s been a featured artist, having created projection wall art for both Blink Fest and Digital Graffiti.

Thanks to new technology, communities of artists have been able to reach new audiences, but rarely–particularly in recent years–do they get to take that connection IRL. The emerging and rapidly growing world of artistic possibilities is thrilling, but the true magic lies in the crossover between digital and physical. That very space is where BLINK, Illuminated by ArtsWave, lives - bringing people from all over the world to Cincinnati and allowing them to experience truly immersive art amidst the cityscape. The nation’s largest light, art, and projection mapping experience, returns to Cincinnati for the first time since 2019 at the perfect time, bringing with it transcendent works across mediums. 

Exciting fans and drawing in new attendees, the immersive art experience releases the first round of participating artists, proving the almost unbelievable amount of sheer talent and dedication poised to flood the Cincinnati streets. Iconic visual artist Shantell Martin brings her signature black and white style enriched by her background as an intuitive philosopher and cultural facilitator, perfectly aligning her with the event’s mission. Star muralist Case Maclaim transports a strong visual message of movement and unity through overlays of hands in different positions, depicting not just physical movement but also political and societal action. 

Dedicated to the history and future of the city, world-class artists are poised to celebrate its unique culture. Portuguese visual artist and illustrator AddFuel is incorporating elements influenced by 140+ year old The Rookwood Pottery Company, ensuring the past is well represented deftly toeing the line between representing his own heritage and representing the rich history of the city itself. Artist Wendy Yu brings a collaborative effort of projection and dance, thanks to a partnership with Cincy-based Hip Hop Cultural Arts Center Elementz. Afro-surrealist visual artist Vince Fraser also explores the collaborative possibilities, working with Underworld Black Arts Festival and Napoleon Maddox to tell the history of Little Africa with a large-scale projection installation. 

The region’s own artistic talent is front and center, with BLINK exhibiting their work on a massive scale. Michael Coppage is extending his BLACK BOX project with a large-scale projection installation. Local artist Jason Snell is incorporating projection mapping onto the ArtWorks Mural, Ezzard Charles: The Cincinnati Cobra that Jason also designed. Local production powerhouse Lightborne takes on the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) for the third year, in a projection display that is sure to wow. Local favorites DogFish Crew, Jessica Wolf, and Mallory Feltz will also be bringing the Cincy vibe. Linz & Lamb, the art duo with one member hailing from Cincy bring their incredible romantic connection to each piece they collaborate on, incorporating a love of the city as well.

BLINK is not limited to the streets of the city, but rather committed to truly integrating with the city itself, which includes installations at historical and architecturally significant buildings. Among a sea of innovations, the upcoming work at The American Building in OTR, Mother of God Church in Covington, KY, and Memorial Hall stand out. The American Building project will be the work of Sean Van Praag, a wonderful returning projection artist. The latter two will be completed by Antaless Visual Designs, the Italian projection company led by CEO Alessio Cassaro. In addition to incorporating historical Cincinnati architecture, BLINK will also integrate projection mapping onto an existing iconic mural, Cincinnati Toy Heritage, an ArtWorks Mural, designed by local artist Jonathan Queen, and projection mapped by international video-mapping artist, Graffmapping.

That’s not the only international contribution announced so far. This is Loop, the incredible UK-based large-scale multidisciplinary creations team, brings their PULSE installation to BLINK making this the first USA premiere of PULSE. Previously exhibited as TOROID, BLINK is honored to host their US premiere as PULSE on the heels of a successful installation in Las Vegas. OGE Design Group, the international art collective from Israel, is working with parade partners ish to bring their “Together” installation to the BLINK audience. Spanish team Pichiavo is bringing their widely recognized prowess in connecting paintings to sculpture in urban settings, further integrating the 2D and 3D aspects among the city. 

The collaborative spirit is strong throughout the artist lineup and resulting event, with a particular focus on encouraging young artists. In order to accomplish this, MASARY Studios and the aforementioned Shantell Martin will both separately be working with youth artists through ArtWorks. 

The sheer excitement doesn’t stop with fan-favorite Architects of Air returning for the third time with a brand new installation experience for Cincinnati. Mz Icar brings the awe-inspiring 20-foot sculpture “The Full Set,” which is sure to be a show-stopper. Sonny Day–one half of WBYK–will be participating and creating some exclusive BLINK merch. And Female lace-inspired artist Nespoon and Devious round out the announcement so far. 

School Days

We say it every year, but it’s hard to believe school will be back in session soon.

If you need a little help gathering school supplies, Northern Kentucky Harvest is here to help. The non-profit has more than 1,000 backpacks containing paper, pens and pencils, and other grade-appropriate school supplies to give out to K-12 students.

Register now! Sign up by July 31 to be eligible to receive supplies the weekend of Aug. 13 and 14.

Now in its 22nd year, Harvest has distributed about 16,000 backpacks, with more than half of recipients each year from Covington.

This event is presented annually by Northern Kentucky Harvest in collaboration with Be Concerned and the Brighton Center. Frisch’s, Harvest’s original partner in the event, will again participate by providing gift certificates for a free kid’s meal in each backpack.

Let's Get Real

If You Go

Four performances of “label•less” will be held at the American Sign Museum (1330 Monmouth Ave.) on
Wednesday, Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 12, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $30 per person. To purchase tickets, please visit lacheyarts.com.

Reality TV returns to Cincinnati!

The making of “label•less” from Lachey Arts will be the subject of a new docu-series in collaboration with Brave Berlin and TVACOM.

“We are over the moon to host such an extraordinary collaboration of talent in Cincinnati,” said Kristen Schlotman, executive director of Film Cincinnati. “Drew and Lea could film this production all over the world and their commitment and love for this city has never been more palpable.”

“label•less” is a musical stage play that combines popular music, spoken word, moving visuals and powerful choreography. Led by a talented young cast, “label•less” tells their stories of love, compassion and how they defy the labels they have experienced in their lifetimes. It’s an incredibly powerful show that people of all ages can embrace and experience together. With a diverse cast of 16-26-year-olds, this show tackles current social issues that this generation faces; everything from bullying to mental health to homophobia to racism. Find out more about “label•less” in this interview with Lea and Drew Lachey.

A musical journey toward acceptance, focusing on the issues that affect our society, and lending a voice to the youth who are inheriting a world they didn't create and giving us all permission to live, love and truly be "label•less.”

Presents of Mind

Everyone loves to get presents on their birthday, and seniors are no exception!

Each month, Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY assembles and delivers birthday boxes filled with hats and horns, cards and cakes to area seniors. This task is made much easier with the help of volunteers and local companies.

Last week RDI Corporation packed 240 birthday boxes for seniors, delivering them to MOW to be distributed throughout July.

MOW also makes an extra-special to-do for those turning 100!

Want to join the birthday party? Find out more at www.muchmorethanameal.org/sign-today.

Growth Economy

If You Go

Camp Washington Farmer’s Market
Every Thursday beginning July 7,   4–6 p.m.
Valley Park, 3220 Colerain Avenue

Find armers, bakers, crafters, and other vendors.

A new farmers market in Camp Washington Farmer’s Market launches July 7. Along with addressing the lack of food shopping options in the neighborhood, organizers are also hoping to provide a gateway for new farmers to enter the market, requiring only a weekly rather than seasonal commitment.

Two years after opening The Welcome (M)Art with the help of an Impact 100 grant, Wave Pool, in partnership with the Camp Washington Urban Revitalization Corporation (CWURC) is launching a farmers market to bring regular food access to Camp Washington. 

For many years, Camp Washington has been considered a food desert due to the lack of food resources in the neighborhood.

A number of neighborhood organizations have stepped up. Welcome Project offers free meals, Washington Church of Christ has a food pantry and the Free Fridge. But that has not solved the issue for residents who are unable to buy produce in the neighborhood.

The Camp Washington Farmer’s Market is a temporary solution to a long term issue. Those interested in participating as a farmer or vendor can contact Cal Cullen, Wave Pool executive director (cal@wavepoolgallery.org) or Sidney Nation, CWURC executive director (sidney@cwurc.org).

Wave Pool will host an art activity each week for kids and adults alike who’d like to flex their creativity and keep their hands busy while shopping. 

Funding for the Camp Washington Farmer’s Market provided by the American Heart Association and Hamilton County Nonprofit Relief Funds.

---

Header image: Welcome Class, Chef Rose Che teaches a cooking class to kids at The Welcome Project

Camp Washington Farmers Market Flyer, logo by Julia Lipovsky, design by Thi Tran.

Creating Links

altafiber hosted its annual golf outing on June 27 at Coldstream Country Club, with the support of altafiber staff, volunteers and vendors. Adding to the day were appearances by several celebrities, including Byron Larkin, Wes Miller, Sean Miller and DerMarr Johnson.

Leigh Fox, CEO of altafiber welcomes the nearly 200 golfers who participated in the 2022 tournament

Todd Lewinski and Bob Spencer placed first in the 2022 tournament

Alicia Yund, Executive Director at First Tee – Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, with three youth members earned third place in the tournament

Leigh Fox, CEO of altafiber, talks with University of Cincinnati men’s basketball coach Wes Miller

With over 170 patrons in attendance, the golf outing and subsequent silent auction raised more than $100,000 for the Bell Charitable Foundation. The Foundation, which formally incorporated in 2020, funds projects and nonprofit organizations that work in the areas of economic & social mobility, environmental sustainability, technology and health and wellbeing.

The Foundation is overseen by the altafiber Social Impact team, led by Sr. Director of Social Impact, Michelle Hall.

“Supporting our community is integral to the fabric of altafiber, and proceeds generated from this golf outing will allow the Bell Charitable Foundation to issue more substantial grants to area nonprofits so they can continue making a deep and lasting impact,” said Leigh Fox, altafiber CEO.

The annual golf outing serves as the primary fundraising event for the Bell Charitable Foundation, and comes just ahead of the announcement of much anticipated inaugural grants from the Foundation.

Who Was That Masked Man?

Local fans of The Masked Singer enjoyed quite the surprise this week during the performance on Tuesday night at the Taft Theatre.

None other than FOX19′s Frank Marzullo was revealed as the “Boom Boom Box” when the national tour made a stop in Cincinnati.

Marzullo sang “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks, then was unmasked, but totally unfazed.

Scare Off the Competition

The world of esports may seem confusing, but don’t let it frighten you. Especially now that Cincinnati has its own team to root for.

Cincinnati Fear, the city’s fourth professional sports team, launched last year. Created by Game Day Communications, Cincinnati Fear brings together professional, collegiate and high school players to compete in tournaments and live events, including League of Legends and Super Smash Brothers.

Keep up on all things esports with “Eyes on the Fear,” a weekly show hosted by Lauren Artino about Cincinnati FEAR, with team interviews, results, and lifestyle around Cincinnati.

The team signed Stephen Schmidt as its first professional player. A University of Cincinnati graduate, Schmidt is currently ranked No. 1 in Ohio for Super Smash Brothers.

Cincinnati Fear also has also signed its first professional League of Legends team and coaching staff.

The five members of the first Cincinnati Fear competing in League of Legends are:

• Brady Holmich, “Sketchdreams,” from Amarillo, TX

• Thomas Ryan Thompson, “Plux,” from West Chester, PA

• John Gligoroski, “Blazze,” from Garfield, NJ

• William Benoit, “Trixter,” from Montreal, Canada

• Kishan Makati, “Dragoon,” from Tampa, FL

The team is led by Cincinnati Fear General Manager Tim David and coached by Jalen Key, “Julius,” from Seattle, WA and Chris Kemp, “Pookar,” from Yonkers, NY.

The League of Legends team is currently competing in the LCS Proving Grounds Circuit Qualifier (PGCQ), which is a North American amateur tournament to determine the teams that will play in the LCS Proving Grounds. The Quarterfinals will be held on June 14, with semifinals on June 16 and finals on June 20. You can watch the action on www.Twitch.tv/CincyFear.

Having a Ball

The whole world is watching, and Cincinnati is waiting.

The announcement for 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Host City is due June 16. Cincinnati remains on the short list to host the world’s largest and most watched sporting event.

Being named a host city means big business. The choice could create an economic windfall of nearly a half billion dollars for the Cincinnati region, according to a new economic impact study commissioned by the 2026 Cincy Local Organizing Committee. The study, conducted by the UC Economics Center, shows that hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup would bring a combined total economic impact of $449.4 million dollars and 3,087 jobs with wages of approximately $129.2 million in the Cincinnati MSA representing 15 surrounding counties in southwest Ohio, southeast Indiana and northern Kentucky. The study also finds that approximately $20 million in tax revenue will be created for state and local governments with $15.4 million resulting from sales tax revenue.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first time that the expanded field of 48 teams will play in the World Cup, with 80 total matches, making it the largest in FIFA World Cup history. Of the 16 cities on the list for potential host, 10 will be chosen from the United States with the remaining Host Cities from Mexico and Canada. The official announcement will be made on June 16, 5 p.m. ET via a live broadcast.

 "This report leaves no doubt that hosting FIFA World Cup matches will have an unprecedented economic impact on our region," said Gary Lindgren, president of the Cincinnati Business Committee and Cincinnati Regional Business Committee. “Serving as a host city will result in close to a half billion dollars in economic impact, thousands of new jobs and tens of millions in tax revenue for our states, counties and cities in our MSA. This is one of the key reasons why our regions business, civic and government leadership has rallied to whole-heartedly support this bid."

The study, which used a schedule of four matches hosted at Paul Brown Stadium as a reference since the 2026 schedule is not currently known, estimates that 267,384 fans will attend the four matches at Paul Brown Stadium. These visitors are expected to spend $305.20 per day for food, drink, retail, lodging and transportation over an average of four nights, resulting in an economic impact of $195.3 million dollars for Greater Cincinnati. Estimates show that Hamilton County will realize nearly $4 million in tax revenue while the state of Ohio will see nearly $7 million.

 “When companies are considering expansion, opening businesses or relocating headquarters; or entrepreneurs are looking for a place to land, we want them to think Cincinnati is the place to be for them,” said Kimm Lauterbach, president & CEO of REDI Cincinnati.

According to the study, the spending made by visitors to the Cincinnati region will generate substantial fiscal benefits for the Cincinnati MSA including the 15 surrounding counties as well as the states of Ohio, Indiana and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. More than $19 million in tax revenue is estimated as a result of visitor spending in Greater Cincinnati during FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Last week, FIFA announced they expect that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be watched by five billion people around the world, far surpassing the record 3.5 billion who tuned in to the 2018 edition in Russia. For reference, the Cincinnati Bengals appearance at the Super Bowl versus the Los Angeles Rams was watched by 112.3 million viewers, generated over 99 billion media impressions, and had an earned media value of more than $4.3 billion for the region.

“The success of sporting events for our region has been remarkable over the last year, from the Bearcats football team to the Super Bowl run by the Bengals,” said Julie Calvert, president & CEO of Visit Cincy. “Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be equivalent to hosting 10 Super Bowls and would be another billion dollar marketing campaign for our city and region. The tens of thousands of visitors to our region coupled with the global TV audience would be another opportunity to showcase our region to the world.”

not throwing away my shot

 Wait for It

Hamilton will play the Aronoff Center from Sept. 6 – Oct. 2, Tuesday – Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m,., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $59 and are available online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

For more information, please visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

Rise up! Single tickets for Hamilton will go on sale to the public on May 19 at 10 a.m. at CincinnatiArts.org, in person at the Aronoff Box Office, or by calling (513) 621-2787, for performances Sept. 6 – Oct. 2.

“It's tempting to get tickets any way you can,” says Hamilton producer Jeffrey Sellers. “There are many sites and people who are selling overpriced, and in some cases, fraudulent tickets. For the best seats, the best prices and to eliminate the risk of counterfeit tickets, all single ticket purchases for the Cincinnati engagement should be made through CincinnatiArts.org.”

There is a maximum purchase limit of nine tickets per account for the engagement. When tickets go on sale, prices range from $59 to $179 with a select number of premium tickets from $249.  There will be a lottery for 40 $10 seats for all performances. Details will be announced closer to the engagement.

 With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. 

Too Pig to Fail

26.2 miles, 2 bridges, and about a million pig puns. We break down the Flying Pig Marathon, from the number of DJs to the number of jelly beans.

Marathon By The Numbers

(from 2019, last full in-person marathon, unless otherwise indicated)

People

23 countries – Countries represented in 2021, including USA

50 (marathon and half marathon) – States represented

200 – Media Credentials

350 – Security Personnel

382 – Medical Personnel

542 – Finish Line Volunteers

703 – Course Monitor Volunteers

1,509 – Fluid Station Volunteers

8,000+ – Volunteers

43,127 – 2019 Marathon weekend participants

60,000 – Post-Race Party attendees

65,000+ – Expo Attendees

150,000 – Estimated spectators along the course

650,000 households – Potential TV Viewers

498,849 – Flying Pig weekend participants since 1999

Charities

300+ – Charity Partners

$1.5 Million – Dollars raised through Marathon Weekend (2019) 

$14 Million – Weekend economic impact

$17 Million – Charity dollars raised since 1999

Medical Supplies

12 – Ambulances

17-20 – Athletic trainers on course

19 – Athletic trainer tents on course

24 – Paramedics

30 cases – Petroleum jelly

34 – Fluid Stations

36 – Cots

100 – Cot Blankets

2,000 – Bandages

3,000 – Alcohol preps

3,800 – Sanitary Gloves

4,000 lbs – Ice

4,196 square feet – Medical Finish Line Tent

55,000 – Mylar Blankets

Recovery Area Food

2,280 gal. – Electrolyte replacement

22,000 – Bananas

22,000 – Dole Fruit cups

22,500 – Crackers

41,000 – Trail Mix

22,000 – Cookies

40,000 – Bags of Chips 

55,000 – Bottles of water

Equipment

1 – Helicopters (weather permitting!)

3 for trash, 4 for recycling – Dumpsters

4 – Phone Lines

5 – Production Trucks

9 – TV Cameras

2 – TV Satellite Trucks

5 – Fork Lifts

10-12 – Trucks

11 – Time Clocks

15 – Golf Carts

15 – Toyota official vehicles

49 miles – Miles of course

58 – Buses

85 – Rakes

654 – 8’ banquet sizeTables

655 – folding chairs

40+ (still plus video) – Cameras

81 – Tents (10x10, 10x20, 20x20)

150 – Recycling Boxes

594 – Portable Restrooms

800 – Trash, Recycling and Compost Bags

4,250 feet – Water hoses

5,423 – Volunteer T-shirts

9,840 feet – Metal Barricades

14,286 – Saturday T-Shirts (Piglet, Kids, 5K, 10K)

20,532 – Marathon/Half Marathon/Relay Shirts

41,225 (includes Piglet participation) – Finisher’s Medals

160,000 – Safety Pins

600,000 – Fluid station cups

PLUS

72,906 – Race Day Visitors on www.flyingpigmarathon.com

227,554 – Race Day Views on www.flyingpigmarathon.com

2,604,118 – Race Day Hits on www.flyingpigmarathon.com

Greening of the Pig

28% – Increase in recycling and donations in 2018

58% – Waste diverted from landfills

462 metric tonnes – CO2 offset for transportation

1,900 pounds – Compost collected

2,025 pounds – Clothing collected and donated

3,536 – Participants that used carpool parking

5,960 pounds – Food donated to local food pantries

Course Entertainment

3 – Storage trailers 

3 – Energy gel locations 

6 – DJs

6 – High School Bands/Cheerleaders

9 – Scream Teams

125+ – Bands and entertainment zones

1,500+ – Signs/Banners 

Course, Party Station Supplies

28 lbs – Raisins/craisins

200 lbs – Bacon

640 – Marshmallows

1,000 – Fig bars

1,400 – Peppermint Patties

1,880 – Gummy Worms

2,000 – Graham crackers

4,110 – Cheese crackers

4,470 – Jelly beans

4,536 – Petroleum jelly sticks

4,700 – Chocolate candies

7,182 – Licorice twists

7,470 – Orange slice candy

8,640 – Potato chips

9,450 – Swedish Fish

9,500 – Cookies

9,680 – Orange slices

11,472 gal – Electrolyte drink

12,000 – Energy gel packets

14,112 – Pretzel sticks

20,160 sheets – Paper towels

Youth Program

15 – Fly Up to 5K Groups

85 – Kids’ Marathon Program 26th Mile Groups

4,412 – Saturday Total Youth Group Participation

Success Stories

Dress for Success StyleHER

The Care Center
11020 South Lebanon Road
Loveland, OH

The Care Center now offers DFSC styling services to residents of the Loveland and neighboring communities. The new satellite location will also offer similar career assistance to that of Dress for Success Cincinnati’s Norwood office, including career development resources through Cincinnati Works.

Find out more at carecenterinfo.com.

Looking for a new way to give back? Dress for Success Cincinnati has partnered with The Care Center in Loveland to offer their StyleHER services in a new, convenient location.

The Care Center is a state-of-the-art resource center with the mission of helping members of Loveland and neighboring communities remove barriers and build the resources needed to thrive in life.  

“We are ecstatic to offer Dress for Success’ styling services in another location and make our services more accessible for women in the surrounding areas of Cincinnati,” said Dr. Angela Rivers-Harper, Dress for Success Cincinnati programs director. “Our goal is to expand our reach and work with more women through this new partnership.”

Through this partnership, Dress for Success hopes to offer clients the opportunity to take advantage of all of the resources at the Care Center, including childcare. The Care Center offers free childcare for anyone in need, eliminating the stress of arranging proper care for mothers who wish to attend a styling appointment.  

“Our mission is about helping people thrive in life, and one critical way we do that is by helping them reenter the workforce,” said Greg Knake, executive director of The Care Center “We also have a high value for not trying to recreate the wheel, and we instantly identified that Dress for Success Cincinnati already had a model that was successful. It is a perfect fit to incorporate Dress for Success Cincinnati’s services in what we do.”

Dress for Success will be on-site on Tuesdays and Thursdays to offer styling services to clients. During each styling appointment clients will receive one outfit, complete with shoes, accessories and a handbag. Once offered a job, the client is styled with 10 new pieces.

Much of the clothing in the StyleHer Studio comes from donations. But the program also needs volunteers and financial support. If you would like to help at the new satellite location, visit dfscincy.org/support-get-involved.

Back Home Again

And you thought your project was complicated!

Imagine creating gardens, installing windows, refinishing cabinets, and moving furniture for thousands of people, in the huge expanse of the Duke Energy Convention Center.

That’s what happens for the Home & Garden Show, which continues Thursday through Sunday. With 350 vendors, you’ll find whatever you need for indoor or outdoor updates and renovations – big or small – all in one place.

The show runs Thursday, March 3, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, March 4, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, March 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults ($12 online at www.CincinnatiHomeAndGardenShow.com) and free for children under 12.

The Suite Life

Ohio Governor and Fran DeWine

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval

Bengals Legend Ickey Woods

Gina Rittinger, Kimm Lauterbach, and Wade Williams of REDI Cincinnati with Bengals legend Ickey Woods

Drew Lachey, Hometown favorite and member of 98 Degrees

Jim "Bengal Jim" Foster, Cincinnati Bengals Fan of the Year

Jordan Cornette, ESPN and Jennifer Steele, CEO of Meals on Wheels Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky

Joe Reedy, Associated Press

Like Evan McPherson, Cincinnati is putting its best foot forward in LA.

The Cincinnati Media Center opened Sunday at the Westin LAX to serve as a resource to all media covering the 2022 Super Bowl. The Media Center, a collaboration of Cincinnati Experience, Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau, and REDI Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Media Center, is managed by Game Day Communications.

Each day, Cincinnati-focused media alerts and content will be shared and media interview opportunities will be available in the Media Center. Open from 2 a.m. PDT/ 5 a.m. EDT until 4 p.m. PDT/ 7 p.m. EDT for breakfast and lunch, the Media Center also offers guests a daily Cincinnati-themed gift.

On Thursday, Feb. 10, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine visited the Cincinnati Media Center for media availability.

Cincinnati media find a home at the Media Center.

Gov. Mike DeWine and his wife, Fran.

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval with Kimm Walther Lauterbach, Anastasia Mileham, Juile Calvert, and Kristen Schlotman.

Mo Egger from ESPN1530 broadcasting live from Cincinnati Media Center.

“Bengal Jim” Foster, our pick for NFL Fan of the Year stopped by to sign the Bengals flag in the Cincinnati Media Center.

Joe Reedy, an AP reporter based in LA and a former Enquirer Bengals reporter, was interviewed at the Cincinnati Media Cetner.

Bringing a little “Cincy” to LA.

On Friday, Julie Calvert, president & CEO, of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau and Adam Burke, president & CEO, of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board will “trash talk” about the importance of tourism and the Super Bowl with LA as host and Cincinnati inviting fans to stay in downtown Cincinnati this weekend.

In 2014, a unified Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky business, arts and tourism collaborative determined a community priority was raising the reputation of the Cincinnati region to attract talent, businesses and visitors. The national media initiative, now known as Cincinnati Experience, was created to amplify Cincinnati’s major assets of arts, culinary, culture, entrepreneurship and innovation. Working together, this initiative has paid off, and today, the region is hosting at the Super Bowl, an international media center that firmly positions Cincinnati as a major player on a global scale.

Puppy Love

Are you going to argue with a fuzzy, floppy golden retriever puppy? Not if you’re a Bengals fan.

Jimmy Fallon, with his own golden retriever puppy energy, did his annual Super Bowl edition of “Puppy Predictors.” The outcome came down to reviewing the tape, in the most adorable way possible. See for yourself.

Somebody needs to teach these pups to bark “who dey.”

Picture This

Lights! Camera! Cincinnati!

MovieMaker Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker in 2022

1. Albuquerque (repeating at #1 for the fourth year)

2. Toronto (up 10 spots from last year, joining the Top 10 and Top 5)

3. Atlanta

4. Montreal (up three spots from last year, joining the Top 5)

5. Boston (up four spots from last year, joining the Top 5)

6. Vancouver

7. Chicago

8. Austin

9. Philadelphia

10. Calgary

11. Cincinnati (up two spots from last year)

12. Cleveland (up two spots from last year)

13. Oklahoma City (up two spots from last year)

14. Baltimore (up four spots from last year)

15. Dallas

16. San Francisco (rejoins the list after being absent last year)

17. San Diego

18. Miami

19. Kansas City

20. Memphis

21. Portland

22. San Antonio

23. Washington D.C.

24. St. Petersburg (up one spot from last year)

25. Fort Worth (joining the list for the first time)

MovieMaker compiles its annual list based on surveys, production spending, tax incentives, additional research, and personal visits, whenever possible.

This week, MovieMaker magazine named Cincinnati one of the best places in North America to live and work as a moviemaker in 2022, ranking best in the state and 11th overall. Cincinnati moved up two spots from last year’s list, and puts the area ahead of Cleveland, San Diego and Miami, among others.

“We are proud to return to the MovieMaker best places to live and work as a moviemaker,” said Kristen Schlotman, executive director of Film Cincinnati. “The recognition is a testament to the talented cast and crew who live and work here, and who keep the film industry so strong in Greater Cincinnati.

Film Cincinnati is the not-for-profit organization that works to promote Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky as a destination for film, commercial, and television production. Productions shooting in the area contributed nearly $80 million in economic impact in 2017 and 2018, the last years that figures are available.

“Cincinnati has moved up two slots since last year thanks partly to increasing productions, fueled by Ohio’s $40 million commitment to a 30% rebate on projects that spend at least $300,000,” says MovieMaker editor-in-chief Tim Molloy. “It’s having a huge moment, drawing productions like Oscar-winner John Ridley’s Shirley Chisholm biopic and the Timothée Chalamet film Bones and All.”

4 MORE: George Goldhoff

As part of our year-end issue, we are revisiting Cincinnati People stories from throughout 2021.

We checked in with George Goldhoff, the president at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, about casino opening.

When the Rock Shop opened in April we interviewed Goldhoff, and below is a gallery from the grand opening of casino in October.

---

What’s been the biggest surprise to you in 2021?

I never would have predicted the “Big Quit.”  The changes in workforce sentiment are staggering, with over 4 million workers quitting their jobs each month for the previous four months in a row.  There are many theories about generous government benefits, stagnant pay, uncertainty of businesses, the reshuffling of the population to different locations and industries, the fear of the virus, and employers’ lack of support or indifference to mental health concerns.  I assume the historic rise in quitting also seems to be about more than all of this. 

The pandemic has changed the way we view our lives and the world.  We are reevaluating how we want to spend our precious time, so we as employers have to understand and support these changing values in the workplace. 

What’s changed since we last spoke?

I have always said that your brand is what your guests say it is, not what you tell them it is.  In a regional market, with fierce competition, we have to “earn it” every day. 

This concept of earning our guest’s loyalty was improved after rebranding through more valuable marketing campaigns/offers/events/initiatives, improved guest service, transforming our facility by providing higher-quality food and beverage options, entertainment, world-class memorabilia, cleaner and more organized experience, and a safer environment.

What did you learn about Cincinnati?

One of the greatest things that I have learned about living in Cincinnati is the true sense of community, from sporting events, the love of the arts, multitude of museums, the patronage for the zoo, the collaboration between the non-profits and business, a collection of diverse neighborhoods, a thriving culinary and beverage scene, year-round outdoor recreation options. But most importantly, my family immigrated here in the 1880s, my wife and I moved to Over-The-Rhine as “empty-nesters” in 2019, and we have been overwhelmed by the genuine friendliness of everyone who have welcomed us “back home.”

What are you looking forward to most in 2022?

At Hard Rock Cincinnati we have many new products, training, and technology initiatives scheduled for 2022.

We are investing in the design of a new hotel, new restaurants, sports betting, business intelligence tools, sensational entertainment, DEI initiatives, and team member development.

---

On Oct. 29 Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati officially opened with an incredible Guitar Smash ceremony led by Pete Rose, Drew Lachey, Tucker Barnhart, Kathy Wade, Phil Castellini, Bootsy Collins, and members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida along with Hard Rock Casino executives.

During the ceremony, Hard Rock Cincinnati CEO George Goldhoff presented a check for $25,000 to Alecia Kintner, CEO of ArtsWave, to fund the organization’s “Lifting as We Learn” diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA) commitment.

After the smash and pyrotechnics, Cincinnati Reds Legend Pete Rose placed the inaugural first table game bet.

The other “guitar smashers” were Kent Butts, Jan-Michele Kearney, and Betsy Sundermann.

Photos by Shae Combs

Taking It to the Streets

Get on Board!

Online submissions for the design contest are being accepted from regional artists through Jan. 9, 2022. The winner will be announced publicly at Music Hall during ArtsWave’s annual fundraising campaign kickoff Feb. 2, 2022.

Visit artswave.org/streetcar to apply. The site includes downloadable streetcar design templates with dimensions and a detailed contest timeline.

The public will vote on the top three designs and an evaluation committee will select the winner in mid-January.

The Cincinnati Bell Connector is getting a new look, courtesy of local artists.

The City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bell, and ArtsWave have issues a call to artists for original artwork that will be used to wrap the exterior of a streetcar.

The winning design, which will be chosen in January, will highlight how the arts connects our region. The chosen artist will receive a $2,500 grant from ArtsWave

“As the arts connect us, so does the Cincinnati Bell Connector,” said Travis Jeric, the city’s Streetcar Director. “We’re excited to see the creativity of our local artists and how they reflect the theme.”

The new design and wrap are included as part of Cincinnati Bell’s sponsorship at no cost to the city. The design contest continues the arts-theme that was unveiled on the streetcar’s five-year anniversary.

“We continue to enjoy this creative exercise, which is transforming the look of the streetcar vehicle by vehicle,” said Leigh Fox, President and CEO of Cincinnati Bell, Vice Chair of ArtsWave and a former chair of the annual ArtsWave fundraising campaign. “We love the new look. The arts theme is a natural choice in Cincinnati where the arts play such an important role in driving the overall vibrancy of our community.”

The first streetcar to don a new wrap is specific to Music Hall and reinforces ArtsWave, the nation’s largest united arts fund that supports more than 150 local projects and cultural groups.

“This is an awesome opportunity for our local artists that have been hit harder than almost anyone from the pandemic,” said Alecia Kintner, President and CEO of ArtsWave. “Not only will the winner be awarded a $2,500 grant, they will enjoy unparalleled exposure as their original design wraps the exterior of the streetcar and their own artwork enlivens the inside in celebration of the 2022 ArtsWave Campaign.”

A Real Trailblazer

Dustin Hoffman. Jodie Foster. George Clooney. Cate Blanchett.

Oscar-winners are getting to be as ubiquitous in Cincinnati as three-ways and flying pigs.

Now another Oscar winner, Regina King, is in town as both star and produce of the film “Shirley,” which began principal photography in Cincinnati this week.

“Shirley,” written and directed by Oscar-winning writer/director, John Ridley (“American Crime,” “Needle in a Timestack”), tells the story of Shirley Chisholm, America’s first black congresswoman. Royal Ties Productions and Participant will produce along with Ridley.

Photo: Diana L. Ragland

“We are thrilled to help bring this incredible motion picture to Cincinnati because of the jobs and economic impact it has on the region,” said Kristen Schlotman, executive director of Film Cincinnati. “Cincinnati continues to be a world class destination for production.”

“Shirley” follows the dynamic presidential campaign launched in 1972 by Shirley Chisholm. The feature is based on her life story rights through an exclusive agreement with the Chisholm estate, and the movie will provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of the ground-breaking political leader during a seminal period in modern American history.

You would think we planned this! Happy 97th Worthday Mrs. C! Look at God🙏🏾 #ShirleyChisolm pic.twitter.com/ZG0WNOZ15B

— Regina King (@ReginaKing) November 30, 2021

Regina King won the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk.” Her directorial feature debut was the critically acclaimed “One Night in Miami.”

Elf Awareness

A beloved Cincinnati holiday tradition returns, as Cincinnati Bell and Findlay Market have teamed up to bring back the Shillito’s Elves. The holiday helpers are set up in the old Leader Furniture store so visitors can walk around to view them six days a week during market hours. They will be fully animated on weekends!

In addition to the Shillito’s Elves, the old Leader Furniture Store will be transformed into a robust magical holiday experience, appropriately named Elves on Elder, a Magical Market Experience! Each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Findlay Market and Cincinnati Bell will host family-friendly activities, programming and special events inside of the space. All activities are free for children, though space is limited. Cincinnati Bell will have an entire side called “Imagination Destination.”

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the space will be transformed into a cozy cocktail and musical experience.