This fall’s highly anticipated BLINK event will feature a monumental new addition.
Unfolding Oct. 10-13, the BLINK 2019 art and light festival will span 30 blocks and cross the Ohio River with large-scale projection mapping, murals, interactive light sculptures, live entertainment and more. And officials announced in a press release May 30 that the historic Roebling Bridge will be brought to life with light, sound and color for the extravagant fest.
This is Cincinnati’s second time putting on BLINK, and after a substantially successful inaugural event in 2017, they are expanding their perimeter from Findlay Market to Covington — making illuminating the Roebling an important focal point of the festival.
“We will focus on the most grand and predominant features of the bridge, including the anchorage, gateway towers, arches and spires. It is our goal to illuminate the river in a magic glimmer of color and reflection,” says Steve McGowan, owner and partner of Brave Berlin, which is one of the producers of BLINK. “Our concept is to make ‘the singing bridge’ … sing!”
Dan Reynolds, another owner and partner of Brave Berlin, adds, “The historical significance of this beloved iconic landmark makes it the centerpiece of BLINK and our continued desire to celebrate Cincinnati as the Future City. We look forward to bathing the Roebling Suspension Bridge in beautiful color, light and sound.”
The Roebling Bridge Historical Society, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and officials in Cincinnati and Covington will work together to enhance the existing architectural features of the bridge. The Greater Cincinnati Foundation also played a major role in securing the new addition to the fest.
“Greater Cincinnati Foundation connects people with purpose in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana — and there’s no better symbol of that integral connection than the first bridge to link our communities,” says Ellen Katz, president and CEO of GCF, in a release. “As we work to build a more vibrant Cincinnati region, Greater Cincinnati Foundation is proud and excited to support the beautiful and creative lighting of the Roebling Suspension Bridge as part of BLINK.”
For more info, visit blinkcincinnati.com.
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This article appears in May 29 – Jun 5, 2019.