On the Right Track
Now is a great time to ride the Cincinnati Bell Connector. Not only does it beat walking or driving in Winter, you can also enjoy a traveling art exhibition, sponsored by ArtsWave in partnership with Cincinnati Bell and the City of Cincinnati.
The exhibition, and new streetcar wrap, coincide with the launch of ArtsWave’s 2022 Campaign. Now in its 73rd year, the campaign amasses vital donations each year that enable ArtsWave to make 150+ grants that fund the region’s arts and fuel community vibrancy. More than 300 businesses and tens of thousands of donors participate in the effort, the largest of its kind in the nation. Those donations are needed now more than ever, as local arts organizations are still grappling with almost two years of pandemic-related revenue losses totaling over $140 million.
The recently unveiled wrap on one of the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcars was created by Brent Billingsley. The artwork, WE ARE “HUE-MAN,” was the fan favorite among 20 designs submitted in response to ArtsWave’s call to artists, garnering 8,000 votes. Billingsley will receive a $2,500 grant from ArtsWave in recognition of his artistic contributions to the city.
For the streetcar design, Billingsley depicts three-year-old children with different skin colors finding joy in their shared humanity. The work speaks to the importance of the arts in connecting us, despite real or perceived differences. Billingsley is known for often involving community members and youth, in particular, in the execution of an artistic vision. The traveling art exhibition in the car’s interior features more of Billingsley’s work. The exhibition – the first of its kind for the Cincinnati Bell Connector – will remain installed in the streetcar through March 4.
ArtWave Campaign Chair XXXX, joined by Mayor Aftab Pureval and Campaign Vice Chair Sonya Walton, vice president of economic inclusion at Messer Construction Co., announced the goal for 2022 is $11.5 million, a 4% increase from the amount raised in 2021. “
This goal is our baseline,” he says. “We need everyone who cares about Cincinnati’s vitality and quality of life to come together now and help the arts – and our region – rebuild for a bright future.” To help secure support for the campaign, Steigerwald has created a cabinet of volunteer community leaders. To jumpstart this year’s efforts, Steigerwald has raised $500,000 from 22 pacesetting gifts. He is calling on the public to match this half-million dollars to create a one-million-dollar boost to the campaign with new or increased contributions over the next three months.A
Thoughout the campaign, ArtsWave plans other programs to engage the community , including the debut of CincyJams, sponsored by Accenture and taking place at the new Hard Rock Café on May 19. Like ArtsWave’s popular Cincy Sings corporate choral competition from past years, Cincy Jams invites musicians from companies and towns across the region to compete in a ‘Battle of the Bands’-type concert. More information about this event, plus exciting benefits for individual and corporate donors, can be found on ArtsWave’s website along with links to donate.