ArtsWave Inspire Artist Grants

ArtsWave (the fund operated by the Cincinnati Institute of Fine Arts) runs the Inspire Artist Grants Program, offering financial support plus a professional-development ecosystem to both emerging and established artists for projects that authentically reflect the lived Black and Brown experience in the Greater Cincinnati region. Selected artists showcase their work at the Contemporary Arts Center (summer 2026 for the current cohort) and participate in cohort activities; the program is in its sixth consecutive year and last year funded 26 local artists. Projects are selected on how they advance ArtsWave's Blueprint for Collective Action (bridging cultural divides, empathy, deepening regional roots, improving neighborhoods). The program is made possible with the City of Cincinnati, Duke Energy, Cincinnati Children's, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

Apply via ArtsWave's 'Apply for Funding' portal (Submittable). For Cincinnati-region emerging/established artists proposing projects reflecting the Black and Brown experience; selected artists exhibit at the Contemporary Arts Center. Confirm the current cycle deadline on artswave.org.