Meet three Cincinnatians making the city more creative, connected and unmistakably itself, and then help choose the Culture Maker of the Week winner.
Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.
That’s why CityBeat is launching Culture Maker of the Week, a new contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.
Nominees are submitted by you (submit nominations here), and our editors pick the three up for voting. Read about this week’s contenders below, then cast your vote for the person you think deserves the title.
You can vote as often as you’d like until noon on Oct. 9. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.
Alex Pham
Nominated by: Xavier Henderson
Why Henderson nominated Pham:
Alex, better known as AP, consistently brings a unique vibe to the city. He puts on parties at the top bars and clubs and sells them out!
His team of security, DJ, and production are always professional in giving the best experience to his audience. Need a good party with unique themes? Come to an AP party!
Jake Hicks
Nominated by: Justin Rue
Why Rue nominated Hicks: Jake has spent the better part of the last decade helping shape Cincinnati’s creative and music culture from the ground up.
Starting as a photographer, he documented the city’s artists, venues, musicians, athletes, and cultural moments, creating a visual record of Cincinnati’s evolution while working with hundreds of local and national talent. He later founded IWDWD Studios, which grew into one of Cincinnati’s most influential creative hubs, providing a home for photographers, filmmakers, musicians, brands, and entrepreneurs to collaborate, create, and launch new ideas.
He also founded Project Sonar, an independent underground events platform that helped redefine Cincinnati’s electronic music scene by producing large scale experiences in unconventional spaces and creating opportunities for a new generation of DJs, artists, and creatives. Through Sonar, thousands of attendees discovered local talent while helping establish Cincinnati as a growing destination for underground dance music.
Read more about why Hicks was nominated
Born and raised on Cincinnati’s west side, Jake has consistently invested back into the city that shaped him. Whether through photography, events, creative entrepreneurship, mentorship, or community building, his work has helped connect people, elevate local talent, and create spaces where Cincinnati’s creative culture can thrive.
Today, while working in the live entertainment industry in Los Angeles, he continues to maintain strong ties to Cincinnati and remains committed to supporting and championing the city’s creative community.
Jess Lamb
Nominated by: Lauren Hughes
Why Hughes nominated Lamb: Jess Lamb is a Cincinnati staple. Between her majestic voice and powerful messages, she is also just a genuine person who connects deeply with everyone she comes in contact with.
Jess inspires us all with her own words and talents, and as a professional, she teaches the local kids / adults to find their own powers in writing and performing too! She and the other half of the creating friendship duo, Warren Harrison, have single-handedly changed countless lives in Cincinnati & beyond, and it all connects back to music.
Cast Your Vote
Vote once. Vote twice. Vote every time you reopen the tab. Then send this story to the group chat, neighborhood Facebook page, Discord server or overly competitive family member of your choice.
You can vote as often as you’d like until noon Oct. 9. The winner will receive a featured CityBeat story, recognition across CityBeat’s social channels and eternal neighborhood bragging rights.*
*Not legally binding, but spiritually true.
Know Cincinnati’s Next Culture Maker?
Nominations are always open. Tell us about an artist, DJ, chef, bartender, muralist, musician, organizer, educator, performer, community builder or other local human making Cincinnati a more interesting place. Nominate a Culture Maker here.