COVINGTON, Ky. — Two groups are partnering to increase tourism and build a stronger community through art.

What You Need To Know

  • In a five-year contract, ArtsWave and meetNKY are teaming up to increase art and culture in Northern Kentucky

  • ArtsWave will hire a creative placemaking director to work primarily in Covington, Newport and other surrounding towns

  • It's estimated for every $1 ArtsWave invests, cultural organizations return nearly $43 in economic value to the region

  • meetNKY said 25 million visit Northern Kentucky each year

More murals and ceramic art are popping up throughout Northern Kentucky such as the mural featured under the Roebling Bridge heading in and out of Cincinnati. 

"It's a great way to connect this part of Covington to the main streets ... just across the way," said Amanda Johannemen, meetNKY director of destination marketing and communications. 

The mural, “Vibrant Visions of Covington,” was painted by local art group, “Often Seen Rarely Spoken.” It highlights Covington’s history by featuring another art installation, Clive the Alien, the top of the Roebling Bridge and the Covington Stars baseball team.

"You can see a lot of different highlights and pieces of Covington that a lot of the visitors will become very familiar with ... not only the visitors but also the residents that live here," Johannemen said. "And this (is) a way for them to feel more connected (to) the place that they live as well.”

Now, meetNKY and ArtsWave are coming together to find and commission local artists to create new murals and statues across Northern Kentucky. 

ArtsWave plans to hire someone to lead the program and work with artists on placing their work across the region.

"(Art) makes you want to visit the area, right?" said Ray Gargano, vice president of community impact at ArtsWave. "When you're friends, there's so much here, especially on the riverfront; that's already a draw. But when you add art and the murals to it, there's a lot more to look at.”

meetNKY said 25 million visit the area each year, and initiatives like these can help increase numbers. 

"This is one thing about bringing tourists to the area, but it's really more about what we're also doing to attract talent to want people to really be proud of the place that they live and work," Johannemen said. 

Thanks to these two organizations, tourists and residents are reminded of the beauty and rich history of Northern Kentucky.

According to ArtsWave, art and culture contributed more than $1 billion to the area's economy. It's projected to grow over the next four years with increased investments. 

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