Cincinnati’s ArtWorks, a nonprofit that creates community-based public art and career opportunities for artists of all ages, is spending its 29th summer apprentice season on 11 transformational projects.
The nonprofit says, despite having a National Endowment for the Arts grant rescinded earlier this year, it will continue its mission to shape Greater Cincinnati’s cultural and economic vitality through transforming public spaces and investing in young creatives. This summer, ArtWorks has employed 99 youth and young adult apprentices, ages 14 to 21, to lead these 11 public artworks and creative workforce development projects throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
“Despite the loss of a $100,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant, we are undeterred in our mission,” Colleen Houston, CEO and artistic director of ArtWorks, said in a press release. “This summer, our youth apprentices are helping to shape a more connected, creative and inspired Cincinnati — project by project, wall by wall.”
Projects will feature work by internationally acclaimed artists like Shahzia Sikander and William Cordova. Themes will include community resilience, cultural identity, intergenerational storytelling, play, health and freedom. The scope of the work will also encompass more mediums to appeal to even more young artists.
“This year’s work feels especially expansive and meaningful,” said Sydney Fine, senior director of impact at ArtWorks. “We’re expanding our mediums into graphic design, multimedia, screen-printing, arts administration and art education opportunities, giving youth more dynamic, real-world experiences and leadership. When youth are at the center, public art and community art become more than a product. They become a process of learning, empowerment and belonging.”
Here’s a look at ArtWorks’ summer projects:
Constellation Mural by William Cordova
Cordova is partnering with Playhouse in the Park to design a bold and abstract mural in Walnut Hills that “explores memory, diaspora, and cultural identity, transforming public space through storytelling and symbolism.”
Shahzia Sikander Mural
Sikander is creating this new downtown mural in tandem with her solo exhibition currently on view at the Cincinnati Art Museum. The mural will be her first in Cincinnati and will explore identity, diaspora and transformation.
CVG Airport Murals
Artist Maria Nacu is partnering with GE Aerospace and CVG Airport on a series of immersive murals “designed to energize the travel experience.” The mural will span up to 12 panels throughout the airport’s corridors and center on the themes of Aircraft, Engine, Travelers and Sky, with an aesthetic described as playful and vibrant.
Duke Energy Convention Center Murals
Three projects transform the convention center’s public spaces, currently under renovation:
Windbourne by Emily Moores: A sculptural mural exploring movement in creativity, Windbourne draws inspiration from Florence Cane and industrial spaces.
This Work by Terence Hammonds: A bright composition featuring historic tile patterns and contemporary portraiture that will honor labor and identity, as well as the Convention Center staff.
Innovation & Industry Convergence by Rebecca Nava Soto: A metal and enamel mural inspired by neural networks, circuitry and natural root systems.
My River, My Roots, My Freedom
This interdisciplinary storytelling and media project marks the 20th year of collaboration with The Well, an arts and wellness nonprofit, and allows youth to “explore and honor the historical and cultural significance of the Ohio River.” Apprentices will create visual art, writing, podcasts and digital media that focuses on the freedom journey many enslaved people took on the Ohio River. The works will then be displayed at the America’s River Roots Festival in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky this October.
ArtWorks Annual Impact Report
A report crafted through narrative and design that shares the story of ArtWorks’ 2025 impact.
Screen-Printing with SRO Prints
ArtWorks has partnered with SRO Prints to allow apprentices to learn the screen printing process, from concept to production, including branding, product development, entrepreneurship and social impact. Their work will ultimately create a new line of ArtWorks merch.
ArtWorks Gallery Educators
This program will help emerging arts educators develop their skills in helping visitors form connections with art and artists. Gallery educators will lead interactive tours, organize hands-on activities and guide discussions, allowing diverse audiences to engage with ArtWorks exhibitions.
Arts Administration Internships
A behind-the-scenes introduction for those interested in arts administration careers. Interns will learn more about nonprofit leadership, marketing, operations and programming.
You can learn more about ArtWorks and their projects at artworkscincinnati.org.
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This article appears in Jul 9-22, 2025.
