It's another year and another round of applause for Cincinnati, firmly holding its rank as a beacon of artistic vibrancy in the Midwestern United States. For those who've been keeping score, Cincinnati has consistently carved out its place on the list of the 20 most vibrant arts cities by SMU DataArts since this party started in 2020. And, according to the Warren County Post, the latest from the National Center for Arts Research, not much has changed except for the date on the calendar.
If you're looking for a community that pumps art through its veins like caffeine on Monday morning, look no further than the Cincinnati scene. The city, finding itself in good company with the likes of Chicago and Nashville, is basking in the limelight, with ArtsWave, the local heavyweight of arts funding, flexing its philanthropic muscles and reaping dividends for the region’s economy. Revealing that arts aren't just a cherry on top, President and CEO Alecia Kintner told The Cincinnati Enquirer, "In the Cincinnati region, our community recognizes that the arts are not just a nice-to-have, they are a necessary part of the economy to the tune of $1.6 billion in economic impact over the last 4 years.”
Sure, the numbers paint a pretty picture, but it's more than just pretty – it's solidly lucrative, with Cincinnati ranking in the top 1% for earned program revenue, such as ticket sales, and the top 2% for total compensation for arts workers. This isn't just about clapping hands at curtain calls; it's about clapping back at anyone who dares to undervalue the arts as a vital part of the city's heart—and wallet. Kintner, in an echo chamber of validation, emphasized to Warren County Post the significant driver of vibrancy in the arts Cincinnati has become, thanks to "decades of strategic, philanthropic investment in the arts."
While Cincinnati plays its artistic symphony in the 19th spot on the list, bobbing its head to the rhythm of a vibrant arts scene, it's important to recognize that the buck doesn't stop there. The National Center for Arts Research also notes the presence of various arts organizations and independent artists, who, like moths to a creative flame, are attracted to Cincinnati's growing reputation as a national creative hub. With its art scene contributing a whooping sum to the local economy, other Midwest cities painting their presence include Chicago, Milwaukee, and Nashville, as highlighted in a report by Local12. However, Cincinnati's palette of offerings solely represents Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
The Arts Vibrancy Index doesn't just throw darts on a map and call it art—there's a method to the colorful madness. The index is a cocktail of factors, including arts dollars, arts providers, and government support. It's a rigorous and data-driven analysis that cuts across more than 900 communities nationwide, with an interactive map for those who like their data with user-friendly graphics. It's all about understanding the strengths contributing to a community's pulse. With all the metrics on the table, Cincinnati's arts scene isn't just humming; it's hitting high notes that reverberate well beyond its borders.
