Cincinnati is a pretty artsy city, according to a new report.
SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, recently released its 10th-annual Arts Vibrancy Index, with the Cincinnati region ranking 42nd out of the top 100 most arts-vibrant regions in the United States. Analyzing the levels of supply, demand and federal and state government support for the arts, the index ranks those 100 communities out of more than 900 across the country. Cincinnati’s ranking puts it in the top 5% for arts vibrancy nationally.
“Being recognized again speaks to the strength and consistency of our arts ecosystem,” Alecia Kintner, president and CEO of ArtsWave, said in a press release. “This sustained recognition reflects a long-standing, shared commitment to collective action for the arts from individual donors and artists to organizations, civic and business partners. The data reinforces the role the arts play as a public good that strengthens our entire region.”
Additionally, Cincinnati was named as one of just 22 communities that have appeared on the Arts Vibrancy Index at least three times since 2020. Cincinnati debuted on the list in 2020 at No. 20 amongst other large regions. This is the first year the index has not separated all the communities by their size. This year, the research center also expanded its analysis to provide deeper insight into long-term trends shaping the arts and culture sector, according to the press release.
Overall, the index is made up of 13 unique metrics that touch on supply, demand and government support for arts and culture. It’s also adjusted for cost of living and population differences across each region. Among the metrics, Cincinnati ranked in the top 100 communities for its number of arts and culture employees, contributed revenue, program revenue, total compensation, total expenses, federal arts funding, federal arts grants and total government support.
ArtsWave says Cincinnati’s continued presence in the index “reflects a broad and interconnected arts ecosystem, with creative activity happening year-round across neighborhoods, public spaces and institutions,” from major events like BLINK to everyday arts experiences.
See the full Arts Vibrancy Index here.