ArtWorks 2025: A Year of Bold Creativity and Community Transformation

2025 was a landmark year for ArtWorks, a year defined by bold ideas, vibrant partnerships, and transformative art experiences. Together, we shaped a more connected and creative Cincinnati. Let’s look back at the highlights that made this year extraordinary!

Creating Spaces for Art and Community

We proudly opened the ArtWorks Creative Campus and Hannan ArtPark, establishing dynamic spaces for artistic expression and community engagement.

Engaging Our Community

• 1,700 visitors explored the Creative Campus.
• 2,000 people attended dedications, tours, and events.
• An estimated 28 million residents and visitors experienced our murals across Greater Cincinnati. 

Overall Impact:
ArtWorks employed/invested in 270 artists and created nearly 40 projects in 2025!

Empowering Youth

ArtWorks launched its 29th Summer Season, employing 100+ youth apprentices and producing 11 transformational public art projects across the region.

Highlights Include:

• constellation (rumi maki) by william cordova—a bold mural exploring memory, diaspora, and cultural identity.
• The Commons mural, a collaboration with the Cincinnati Art Museum, designed by world-renowned artist Shahzia Sikander.

• My River, My Roots, My Freedom: the  anniversary of The Well’s True Body Project

Mural & Camera Studios

• Mural Studio completed eight projects, including Fountain of Love by Aley Wild and Motivation in Motion by Trey Small.
• Camera Studio produced photography and video content for events, murals, and client projects, telling ArtWorks’ story from the inside out.

Gallery Fellowship Program

Our new permanent gallery hosted four exhibitions, supporting 36 emerging artists and creating art in our upstairs studio.

Transforming Public Space

At the Duke Energy Convention Center, we installed four stunning new works:

• Windbourne by Emily Moores
• Rosette Colored Glasses by Terence Hammonds
• SkyBundle: A Codex Transmitter by Rebecca Nava Soto
• Currents in Motion by Adrienne Gaither

We also reinstalled two iconic pieces:

• Kaleidoscope (a glass installation with Brazee Studios)
• Wall of Queens by James Pate

Awards & Recognition

ArtWorks earned prestigious accolades:

• National:
  • Cincinnati ranked #2 Best City for Street Art (USA Today 10Best).
  • The Abbey Mural Prize for constellation (rumi maki).
• Regional:
  • Preservation Merit Award for Creative Campus & Hannan ArtPark.
  • Finalist for Heritage Ohio’s Best Commercial Rehabilitation Award.
• Local:
  • Erich Kunzel Queen City Advocate Award (Visit Cincy).
  • Donald & Marian Spencer Spirit of America Award (Cincinnatus Association).
  • Two Cincinnati Design Awards for Hannan ArtPark.

Thank you for making 2025 a year of bold creativity and lasting impact. Your support helped us empower youth, artists, and neighborhoods through transformative art experiences.

As we look ahead to 2026, we invite you to keep this momentum going, DONATE TODAY and help us create even more vibrant spaces, opportunities, and connections across Cincinnati.