ArtsWave Circle Grants

A vital initiative strengthening the capacity and sustainability of arts organizations led by, or predominantly serving, Black Cincinnatians. Provides targeted support helping recipient organizations build infrastructure, expand programming, and deepen community impact.

Geographic Scope: Cincinnati, Ohio region

Focus Areas:

• Hip-hop and music education and production
• Arts education in schools serving Black students
• Healing and recovery through arts
• Fashion and creative expression
• Support for artists and communities during critical developmental periods

Examples of 2026 Funded Projects:

• SoundArt Technology Lab: Music Production Summer Camp for youth ages 10-17 teaching hip-hop and pop beat creation and music industry monetization (4 one-week sessions, 40 students)
• ARTE: Supporting youth through arts education, connecting students to Black artists across disciplines during elementary-to-middle school transition
• Arts Equity Collective: "I Don't Look Like What I've Been Through" 5th Annual Survivor's Workshops, Awards and Fashion Show offering arts-based healing, expressive writing, dance, visual art, open mic, and fashion showcase

2026 Cohort: 10 organizations receiving grants

Funding Source: Funded in part by contributions from members of ArtsWave's Circle of African American Leaders for the Arts to the annual Community Campaign

Program Impact: Circle Grants recipients transform communities, preserve cultural heritage, and open doors for future generations. Emphasis on capacity-building enables sustainable models.

Application Process

1. Visit artswave.org/circlegrants to view recipient organizations and access information
2. Organizations led by or predominantly serving Black Cincinnatians may apply
3. Submit application demonstrating organizational capacity-building needs
4. Detail community impact and alignment with program focus areas
5. Submit through ArtsWave application portal

Key Evaluation Criteria

• Organization's service to Black Cincinnatians
• Capacity-building potential
• Community impact and reach
• Sustainability of proposed programming
• Leadership and organizational infrastructure