New Funding Strategy Focuses on Increasing Arts Impact, Innovation, and Engagement

CINCINNATI – June 24, 2012 – ArtsWave announces $11 million in grants and initiatives to create vibrant neighborhoods and bring people together through music, dance, theater, museums and more.

In 2012, ArtsWave will focus on funding efforts to increase the impact of the arts, foster innovation, and expand cultural engagement in the community. These investments are made possible by the thousands of people who contributed to ArtsWave’s annual community campaign-donors who recognize the importance of the arts to everyone in Cincinnati and the region.

Community volunteers committed the majority of funds – $9.4 million – for impact grants to thirty-three local arts organizations ranging from $10,000 to over $2 million. In addition, ArtsWave will invest $400,000 in smaller project grants and strategic local partnerships. ArtsWave will also support two major new initiatives with $400,000 in funds given specifically to foster innovation and expand arts engagement: The New Pathways for the Arts Initiative, and the Arts Engagement Index, in partnership with Agenda 360. Remaining funds are used to measure and communicate the impact of the arts on the region, and to support the ArtsWave campaign.

This year marks the first time that ArtsWave has made grant-making decisions based on the community impact of the recipient organizations, using data and measurement strategies chosen by the organizations. Grantmaking committees also considered criteria such as leadership, sustainability, and collaboration with other arts organizations. One and two-year impact grants will support arts organizations large and small that are creating vibrancy and connecting people throughout the region.