A local arts organization wants you to become its next artist-in-residence.
ArtsWave, which has been fueling Cincinnati’s art scene since 1927, is joining up with meetNKY and the Northern Kentucky Port Authority to give one talented artist a chance to present their work inside one of the area’s newest buildings.
The new OneNKY Center Artist-in-Residence Program is calling for 2D artists to apply for the program, where they will have their work displayed in the OneNKY Center’s art gallery in Covington as part of a “cohesive exhibition” from April through September. The artist chosen will also receive a $5,000 honorarium.
“This residency is a powerful example of how Northern Kentucky continues to invest in its creative future,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY. “When artists are embedded in spaces like the OneNKY Center, we’re doing so much more than just displaying artwork, we’re shaping how residents and visitors understand our community. That kind of intentional placemaking strengthens our identity and enhances Northern Kentucky’s appeal as a destination.”
The OneNKY Center houses 10 regional growth organizations, including meetNKY, BE NKY Growth Partnership, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and others, making it a central hub for economic and civic leadership. ArtsWave’s director of creative placemaking is also based in the building, marking ArtsWave’s first-ever satellite office in Northern Kentucky.
“This is about more than an exhibition,” said Rachael Parker, ArtsWave’s director of Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking. “Our goal is to ensure art is part of the core strategy in how we design spaces, grow our economy and build connection. By placing artists at the center of civic spaces, we’re creating environments people want to gather in, work in and return to. That energy fuels local pride and long-term economic strength.”
For the position, ArtsWave is seeking an artist over 21 years old with “strong ties” to the region, and preference will be given to artists from Northern Kentucky.
Prospective artists interested in applying should visit ArtsWave’s submission website.