Cincinnati is betting big on its creative future with a massive $204,700 investment in local culture. ArtsWave has awarded 24 new Inspire Artist Grants to explore themes of Truth and Inspiration. This cycle moves beyond simple funding to act as a business incubator for BIPOC creatives. It supports projects ranging from historical films to mental health documentaries. Discover how these artists are reshaping the region’s narrative and building a more equitable community.

Everyone knows about the food banks and coat drives, but did you know the most urgent need in Over-the-Rhine right now is a pack of new underwear? With homelessness in Cincinnati rising by 7.5% in 2025, the "hidden" heroes of downtown need specific, dignity-driven help. From sugar for coffee at Our Daily Bread to bed sheets for Tender Mercies, discover the three most impactful ways to hack your holiday giving and truly help our neighbors this winter.

The most dangerous phrase in pediatric oncology isn't "we need more time"—it's "we need more data." Discover how CancerFree KIDS is bridging the critical "Valley of Death" funding gap with a record-breaking $1.65 million investment. From "night vision" CAR-T cells to metabolic hacking, see how this historic funding is fueling the next generation of cures at Cincinnati Children’s and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The 2025 Flying Pig Marathon delivered forty-five point nine million dollars in economic impact for Greater Cincinnati. A new report from the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber highlights how race weekend supported hundreds of local jobs, boosted tourism, and showcased the Queen City as a national running destination. With more than fifty-one thousand participants and sixteen thousand visiting runners, the Pig continues to strengthen the regional economy while celebrating community pride, health, and connection.

The Art Academy of Cincinnati is launching a revolutionary financial model, combining a Tuition Promise with a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to provide a post-graduation safety net for artists. This unique strategy directly counters the student debt crisis by offering a level of financial security and predictability that is unmatched among top art colleges.

Cincinnati takes the lead in honoring America’s heroes at the 2025 DAV 5K at The Banks. Presented by USAA, this run, walk, roll, and ride event brings together the community to celebrate veterans with both in-person and virtual options. Every step supports Disabled American Veterans and their mission to serve those who served.

Cincinnati’s mentoring legacy took center stage at the 2025 BIG Breakfast Presented by Cintas. The event celebrated “Hometown Heroes,” raised over $200,000 for youth mentoring, and featured local restaurant icons, inspiring stories, and powerful community connections.

Faith Community Health Network is expanding access to care for uninsured and underinsured residents across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The new Faith Community Clinic will open in March 2026 in Newport, offering free primary care, urgent care, lab testing, and medications to those who need it most.

Nearly 3,000 Cincinnati sixth graders will experience the power of storytelling through “Sounds of the River,” a new production created by Learning Through Art, Inc. and presented by ArtsWave. The performance launches the More Arts, More Kids season and kicks off America’s River Roots Festival, connecting students to the cultural heartbeat of the Ohio River through music, history, and shared community experiences.

This October, YWCA Greater Cincinnati is shining a light on domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. With the opening of the Francie Garber Pepper House of Healing, YWCA has doubled its shelter capacity, ensuring no survivor is left without support. From Women Who Rock to Purple Thursday and the powerful She Screams Without Sound vigil, the month is filled with ways to stand with survivors and build a safer, stronger Cincinnati.

Cincinnati has declared war on potholes, and it is doing so with innovation. Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and Tire Discounters, has announced six finalists for the Pave the Way Innovation Lab. The program is designed to crowdsource smarter solutions for road repair, from AI-powered detection to drone-based mapping.

After reviewing 68 applications, six teams emerged from a high-pressure sprint week, where they received mentorship and access to municipal data. They will pitch their concepts live at Demo Day on September 24 at the 1819 Innovation Hub. The winning team earns a $5,000 grant and a pathway toward piloting their idea with the city.

This initiative highlights Cincinnati’s growing reputation as a testbed for civic innovation, with the potential to save taxpayers money, improve safety, and set new standards for how cities maintain their streets.

Flow, An African American Arts Experience, turns five with a season of world-class events in Cincinnati. The 2025–26 Flow Pass features visual art, symphony, theater, and opera, each paired with all-inclusive Flow Socials for community and connection.