At ArtsWave, we want everyone in Greater Cincinnati to experience the positive benefits of the arts – a more vibrant regional economy and more connected communities.  In fall 2015, ArtsWave released the Blueprint for Collective Action in the Arts which outlines five community goals, a roadmap for their achievement, and a framework for ArtsWave’s community investment strategy and grant programs for the next ten years.

All applicant organizations are asked to demonstrate how their work aligns to one or more of these five strategic areas. We strongly recommend downloading and reviewing this document to familiarize yourself with this framework before applying for ArtsWave support.

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Apply to Spring 2026 OneNKY Center Artist-in-Residence Program

 

Spring 2026 OneNKY Center Artist-in-Residence Program   Call to Artists - Now Accepting Applications for OneNKY Center Artist-in-Residence Program, Spring 2026 

 

Program Overview   The OneNKY Center Gallery Fueled by ArtsWave is proud to announce the launch of its Spring 2026 OneNKY Center Artist-in-Residence Program funded by the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, meetNKY, and ArtsWave. We invite 2D visual artists to apply for a unique experience to prominently display a collection or series exhibition in the first-floor public gallery located in the OneNKY Center, 209 Greenup St, Covington, KY 41011 from April 24 -September 10, 2026.    

The goals for this program are:   

  • To enhance the vibrancy of Northern Kentucky through creative placemaking efforts that amplify the arts and build a connected community for all.  
  • To provide economic opportunities for local and regional artists.    
  • To inspire, motivate, and instill pride in residents and visitors alike. 

  The OneNKY Center Gallery Fueled by ArtsWave embodies our shared commitment to integrating arts and culture as essential components of community vitality. The gallery is a testament to the power of creative placemaking, demonstrating how strategic investment can transform public spaces into meaningful experiences and how important the creative economy is to the future of the region. Through this dedicated space for artistic expression, we celebrate Northern Kentucky’s distinctive character and reinforce our belief that arts are not merely decorative but fundamental to building connected, vibrant communities. 

  The OneNKY Center Artist-in-Residence Program offers 

  • A professional exhibition space for emerging or practicing artists to showcase a vibrant and cohesive body of work in the heart of Northern Kentucky’s thriving arts and culture community.  
  • Honorarium stipend of $5,000.00. 
  • A supportive and dynamic environment to advance their career development through provided resources and networking opportunities during the residency.  

  From February 11, 2026, to March 6, 2026, we will accept applications from eligible visual artists for the Spring 2026 OneNKY Center Artist-in-Residence Program.    Residency dates will be confirmed with selected artist based on availability to install.    Spring session: Mid-April through September 10, 2026    Opening reception: Friday, April 24, 2026 

 Site Location and Specification 

A 47,000-square-foot Class A office building at the foot of the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge. It houses 10 regional growth organizations: meetNKY, LifeSciKY, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Northern Kentucky Bar Association, Thomas More University Division of External Affairs, BE NKY Growth Partnership, Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky, OneNKY Alliance, The Catalytic Fund and EducateNKY. ArtsWave’s director of creative placemaking will also operate out of the meetNKY office in the OneNKY Center, representing the organization’s first-ever satellite office.   The first-floor gallery space is approximately 1,500 square feet and has 50 linear feet of wall space for exhibition.     

About OneNKY Center Gallery Fueled by ArtsWave   Dedicated on September 12, 2025, the OneNKY Center Gallery Fueled by ArtsWave represents a landmark collaboration between the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, meetNKY, and ArtsWave, embodying our shared commitment to integrating arts and culture as essential components of community vitality. The gallery is a testament to the power of creative placemaking, demonstrating how strategic investment can transform public spaces into meaningful experiences and how important the creative economy is to the future of the region. Through this dedicated space for artistic expression, we celebrate Northern Kentucky’s distinctive character and reinforce our belief that arts are not merely decorative but fundamental to building connected, vibrant communities. 

 About Northern Kentucky Port Authority   The Northern Kentucky Port Authority (NKY Port) was jointly formed as an economic development organization by Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in 1968 under the provisions of KRS 65.510 to 65.650. The NKY Port is a managed entity of BE NKY Growth Partnership and it was activated in 2022 as a real estate and development tool as a key initiative of the Build + Elevate Northern Kentucky investor campaign. Learn more at www.NKYPort.org. 

 About meetNKY   meetNKY drives quality of life and economic growth for Northern Kentucky through tourism marketing and destination development. Learn more at meetNKY.com and visitcincy.com.

 About ArtsWave   ArtsWave fuels the Cincinnati region’s arts, supporting 150+ organizations, projects and artists each year. Since 1927, it has been the primary way the region funds the arts, raising millions annually from tens of thousands of individuals, businesses and foundations to drive a more vibrant economy and connected community. Through the Blueprint for Collective Action, ArtsWave strategically makes investments that maximize the arts’ impact across the region. To learn more and give, visit artswave.org.

 Who May Apply   This is an Open Call to all 2D Artists. Preference will be given to Artists living or working in Northern Kentucky, surrounding areas, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, or with strong ties to the region. This is a qualifications-based selection process; applicants will submit a collection or series of existing work for the exhibition, and will be selected based on their experience, artistry, alignment with the program’s goals, and demonstrated interest. The exhibition should celebrate Northern Kentucky or the Greater Cincinnati Region’s rich history, culture, and identity. Artists who have experience interacting with the community are strongly encouraged to apply.  

  • Identify as a 2D visual artist and showcase a portfolio of work with a serious commitment to artistic practice. 
  • Be at a pivotal point in their career and demonstrate how residency would be a benefit. 
  • Be 21+years of age. 
  • Be committed to being present and active for the duration of the residency cycle. Participate in the opening reception, professional development opportunities such as ‘artist talks’, media opportunities, and create a culminating original piece of artwork for the OneNKY Center. 
  • Complete and submit an application. 

 Honorarium Stipend    The $5,000.00 honorarium is to be paid and used by artist to 

  • Prepare and ready 10-20 pieces for the exhibition (see Art Criteria and Expectations below) 
  • Attendance and participation in the gallery opening. 
  • Provide three artist talks during the exhibition, to be determined. 
  • Being available for media appearances and networking opportunities, as requested.  
  • Create one original piece of artwork to present to the OneNKY Center at the conclusion of the residency. 

 Art Criteria and Expectations      All work must arrive in the gallery ready for display. This includes:  

  • 2D work must be framed or on gallery wrapped canvas with painted edges.  
  • Frames must be undamaged and in good repair.  
  • Make sure glass and matte are clean (no fingerprints or smudges) 
  • Work on paper must be behind glass/plexi or be sealed.   
  • All work must be fully cured. No wet paint! No exceptions!  
  • Appropriate weight hanging wire used and secured to the frame (not the backing).   
  • Make sure screw eyes and a wire hanger are properly attached for hanging (do not use “sawtooth” hangers) 

  No copies of paintings or published work will be accepted. All work must be original by the artist.      All work to be displayed in the gallery will be received at the predetermined drop-off/pick-up days preceding the exhibition. The inventory list and values will be provided by the artist for the website. The installation and gallery labels will be purchased and provided by the Artist-in-Residence program. All work in the featured artist exhibits will remain in the gallery for the duration of the exhibition.  

 Application Instructions    All application materials must be submitted via Submittable, ArtsWave’s online grantmaking system. We strongly recommend that you begin your online application well before the due date to familiarize yourself with the online system and to address any technical concerns. While completing your application, remember these tips:  

  • Be brief, clear and direct, focusing on what is most important.  
  • We recommend that you prepare your responses offline in a word processing program and then copy and paste them into the appropriate sections of the online application. 
  • Limit the use of bullets and other formatting in text fields. 
  • Add Impact@ArtsWave.org to your safe senders list to ensure that you receive all communications from the online grantmaking system. 
  • Use one of the following compatible browsers: Chrome® v.22+, Firefox® version v.27+, Internet Explorer® v.8-10 (if enabled), Internet Explorer v.11, Safari® v.7+, or Edge®. 
  • The application for the Spring 2026 OneNKY Center Artist-in-Residence Program can be accessed using the following link: https://artswave.submittable.com/submit/ 

 Selection Criteria      The selection panel will be a diverse group of jurors with a breadth of knowledge, perspectives, and experience in varies areas. Primarily, the panel will take into consideration the overall body of work submitted and its representation of the artist’s vision, commitment, dedication to studio practice, and how the residency will advance an artist’s career at a pivotal moment.       The panel will meet in March and anticipate informing artists shortly thereafter.  

  • Arist-in-Residence will complete one original piece for the OneNKY Center by the end of residency. 
  • Artist-in-Residence is expected to be engaged and participate in career development and networking activities offered. 

 Key Dates 

  • Application Open                                              February 11, 2026 
  • Application Overview Session 1                       February 13, 2026 at 12:00 pm RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982306834103?aff=oddtdtcreator 
  • Application Overview Session 2                      February 18, 2026 at 5:00 pm RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982307293477?aff=oddtdtcreator 
  • Application Deadline                                       March 6, 2026 at 5:00 pm 
  • Notifications                                                       Week of March 23 
  • Artist-in-Residence Opening Reception           April 24, 2026 

 Contact ArtsWave 

 

Apply to ArtsWave Artist At Your Meeting (Booking Request)

Need to bring some entertainment to an event or a creative break during a long meeting? Schedule a performance from one of the Cincinnati region's top artists!
Performances can range from an evening of live, in-person entertainment to a quick 5-10 minute virtual drop-in. All art forms are available to fit you and your team. Some examples include...

  • At a retirement party, the lyrics to a popular song are rewritten about the person retiring, then sung by a professional who pops in to the meeting (virtually or in-person) to share in the fun.
  • A company has someone in leadership who loves classical music, so to surprise that person, an instrumentalist visits the office or joins a call to perform a piece.
  • A jazz band provides ambient music for a lunch event.
  • A local actor performs a stirring monologue to get the team ready for a major project that's about to begin.


For a list of available artists, check out the Artist Roster.

The rate for each 5-10 minute virtual performance is $125, with most of that fee going directly to the artist. The suggested rates for live, in-person performances are as follows:

  • Soloists: $150/hour
  • Duos: $300/hour
  • Trios: $375/hour
  • Quartet+: $125 per performer/hour

 
* Please note, a $25 processing fee will be added to all in-person performances. Rates are subject to change based on artist/ availability. 

Apply to Working Capital Bridge Loan Application

Working Capital Bridge Loan Guidelines




Purpose


The purpose of the Working Capital Bridge Loan is to provide a useful, no-interest financial tool to address demonstrated, short-term cash flow needs of small and mid-sized arts and cultural heritage organizations in Greater Cincinnati. The Working Capital Bridge Loan Fund, first established through a private gift, was expanded in 2009 by a donation from the Weathering the Economic Storm Fund, a collaboration of Cincinnati funders. 




Who May Apply


To be eligible for a Working Capital Bridge Loan, an organization must meet all of the following criteria:



  • Have a 501(c)3 tax status for a minimum of three years

  • Have a primary mission to provide programs or activities in areas directly concerned with arts or cultural heritage for the general public

  • Be based in the Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN MSA, which includes the following counties: Brown, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren Counties in Ohio; Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, and Pendleton Counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn, Ohio and Union Counties in Indiana

  • Have at least one FTE of paid or contracted staff

  • Have received funding from ArtsWave in the past 3 years

  • Have an annual operating budget of less than $2M

  • Does not have an outstanding Working Capital Bridge loan or other overdue grant requirements

  • Loan requests to ArtsWave for more than 3 consecutive years are unlikely to be considered without proper justification from the organization’s leadership.




Terms of Loan


Working Capital Bridge Loans will be interest-free and will not exceed $10,000. Loans shall be repaid in full within 12 months. Organizations delinquent in paying the full loan back within 12 months will not be eligible to apply for support for support from ArtsWave for one year after the loan is repaid.




Application


All application materials must be submitted via Submittable, ArtsWave’s online grantmaking system. While completing your application, remember these tips: 



  • Be brief, clear and direct, focusing on what is most important. 

  • We recommend that you prepare your responses offline in a word processing program and then copy and paste them into the appropriate sections of the online application.

  • Limit the use of bullets and other formatting in text fields.

  • Add Impact@ArtsWave.org to your safe senders list to ensure that you receive all communications from the online grantmaking system.

  • Use one of the following compatible browsers: Chrome® v.22+, Firefox® version v.27+, Internet Explorer® v.8-10 (if enabled), Internet Explorer v.11, Safari® v.7+, or Edge®.




The application consists of the following sections:


A. Organization Information



  1. Tax ID

  2. Organization Contact Information

  3. Organizational Leadership

  4. Contact for Loan


B. Loan Request



  1. Reason loan is needed (up to 300 words)

  2. Loan amount requested

  3. Date when funds are needed

  4. How loan funds will be used (up to 125 words)

  5. Source of funds to be used for repayment of loan (up to 125 words)


C. Financial Information



  1. Contact information for individual responsible for financial reporting and management

  2. Availability of financial statements


D. Attachments



  1.  ArtsWave Working Capital Bridge Loan Financial Report Form (attachment, can be accessed via the Apply for Funding page) - Provide a one or two page financial report for revenues, expenses and operating bottom line which includes actuals for your most recently completed fiscal year, year-end projections for your current fiscal year, and a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The percentage change columns between each of the years should also be included along with explanations for variances of 10% or more for total revenue, total expenses and total operating bottom line.

  2. Working Capital Bridge Loan Signature Page (attachment, can be accessed via the Apply for Funding page) - an authorizing official will certify that s/he is authorized to submit the application on behalf of the organization and that the information submitted in the application is true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge.




Repayment Schedule


No payments will be due the first six months of the loan. Six monthly payments of 1/6 of the total loan amount will be due on the 1st day of the month beginning the seventh month of the loan.




Key Dates



  • Application Deadline: Rolling

  • Application Review: As quickly as possible

  • Funding Decision: Within 2 weeks of submission

  • Repayment Due: Within 12 months

ArtsWave