COVINGTON, Ky. — ArtsWave, a Cincinnati-based agency that funds the arts, is celebrating the creativity and talent across the region, by hosting the 4th annual Truth and Innovation Artist Showcase.

What You Need To Know

  • ArtsWave, a Cincinnati-based agency that funds the arts, is hosting the 4th annual Truth and Innovation Artist Showcase

  • Twenty-two artists were given $10,000 to showcase their work at the exhibit

  • This event highlights the contribution of Black and brown artists

  • The Truth and Innovation Artist Showcase is July 12 through July 14

Chaya Jones, 21, proudly showed off her band preparing for an upcoming performance. She said singing makes her feel alive.

Jones said, "It is the most wonderful feeling. I don’t feel like anything compares to singing and getting to perform in front of an audience.”

In the past few years, ArtsWave has sought unique ways to invest in artists of color. Part of that effort includes creating the Black and Brown Artist Grant. Recipients receive $10,000 to fund a project and create a platform where they can show their work.

This year Jones was one artist selected to display her work at The Carnegie in Covington. The Carnegie is a theater and art gallery in a former Carnegie library.

She said, "I didn’t really think I was going to get this amount of money to do this project. So, it was super exciting."

But the weekend wouldn’t be possible without the showcase curator and past grant recipient, Michael Thompson and director of Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking for ArtsWave, Rachel Parker. Both say opportunity and space are important.

Thompson said, “While we do embrace tradition, we also really want to be artists who are pushing forward different artistic narratives to be trendsetters both in the artistic and cultural spheres.”

Parker added, "This is the first year we are crossing the river into northern Kentucky, and so we’re very excited to be here at The Carnegie. It is a space that is steeped in history and beauty and is just a jewel of Covington, Kentucky.”

Jones agreed, saying it’s important to support the arts. "Often times people aren’t supported in the arts, and it can seem as shameful or something that people shouldn’t go into…. So, to continue to give people that confidence to know that they are valued in their work."

There are three events over the weekend. Friday will showcase film screenings at the Contemporary Arts Center. Saturday, July 13, look for the Visual Arts Exhibition at The Clifton Cultural Arts Center and Sunday, July 14, there will be live performances at The Carnegie in Covington.

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