Moment of Truth
If You Go
Truth & Reconciliation – Events July 18
Live performances, Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., 3–9 p.m.
Film Shorts, NURFC, 50, E. Freedom Way, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Visual Art Exhibition, NURFC, 50, E. Freedom Way, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Exhibition continues through Oct. 31.
All three components of the Showcase are free, although signup for the performances is needed.
Please visit artswave.org/showcase for the full schedule.
A showcase of 27 commissioned projects on the themes of “truth” and “reconciliation,” that ArtsWave in partnership with the City of Cincinnati announced earlier in the year, was unveiled July 16 during a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony held at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC) earlier this morning.
The multidisciplinary Showcase includes a Visual Art Exhibition with five works, a set of a dozen Film Shorts happening this Saturday and Sunday, and Live Performances on Sunday by nine artists with the day’s event emceed by Local 12’s Kyle Inskeep. The art exhibit and films will be held at NURFC, and performances will be held at Memorial Hall.
ArtsWave, the region’s engine for the arts, and the City of Cincinnati have been working on this partnership to support and elevate local Black and Brown artists for several years. After 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic and stark displays of systemic racism, racial injustice and inequities that confront Black and Brown individuals, it was decided that the first year of projects should reflect a variety of artistic disciplines and approaches to the complexities of ”truth” and “reconciliation.” Artists have collaborated with community members and other partners on their projects, so that the larger public can participate in reconciling the moment and imagining a more just and equitable future for the Cincinnati region through the arts.
Funding for the grants and showcase comes from the City of Cincinnati, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Duke Energy, Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and ArtsWave’s Arts Vibrancy Recovery Fund. Artist selection through a competitive, community-based selection process, was chaired by Toilynn O’Neal Turner, founder of the Robert O’Neal Multicultural Art Center (“The ROMAC”).
The Visual Art Exhibition will be at the NURFC through October 31. The Film Shorts and Live Performances will happen this weekend (July 17 and 18) and they will be repeated September 18-19.
At the Press Conference, funding for a second year of projects was announced, with the City of Cincinnati renewing its partnership and long-time ArtsWave supporter Macy’s joining in as well. More information on the theme for next year’s program and corresponding grant process will be available later in the year.
The Showcase, one of various investments in Black artists and cultural organizations, is part of ArtsWave’s ongoing commitment to elevate a diverse array of artistic expressions. To help fund cultural diversity efforts like these, go to artswave.org/give.