New ArtWorks Mural Will Celebrate Cincinnati Pride and the LGBTQ+ Community

Part of the new Cincinnati Pride mural design Photo: Provided by ArtWorks

Love wins again as a new, kaleidoscopic mural is planned for Cincinnati. ArtWorks announced Friday, June 23 the addition of a mural celebrating Cincinnati’s LGBTQ+ community and 50 years of Pride in the Queen City.

Local artist Matthew Dayler of Chroma Projects designed the mural, which will depict protests, triumphs and celebrations in the LGBTQ+ community and serve as inspiration for positive change and nurture a sense of belonging to those who see it, ArtWorks said in a press release.

The location for the mural will be announced in the coming weeks and will be painted by a group of 12 apprentices alongside lead teaching artist Daniel Baker and teaching artist Orion Inez. ArtWorks says it should take about two months to complete, with a special dedication ceremony planned for August.

“Celebrating Cincinnati Pride with a mural is a testament to the power of art to represent visible inclusivity,” Colleen Houston, ArtWorks CEO and artistic director, said in the release. “It boldly proclaims that vibrant expression matters, reminding us that inclusivity is our greatest strength. Through art, we paint a celebration of our past and a vision for a brighter future, where love, acceptance, and equality flourish through the fabric of our community.”

Cincinnati Pride began as a small grassroots movement in 1973 but has grown in size and prominence since, becoming an opportunity for celebration, education, advocacy and community building.

“Throughout its history, Cincinnati Pride has played a significant role in shaping the LGBTQ+ landscape of the city, providing a platform for community members to unite, express their identities, and advocate for equality,” Dustin Lewis, director of programming for the Cincinnati Pride Board of Directors, said in the release. “By promoting visibility and understanding, Cincinnati Pride has contributed to creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Cincinnati.”

If you want to learn more about the creation of the mural, Dayler will discuss it during ArtWorks’ Wet Paint speaking series Thursday, June 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the 21c Museum Hotel (609 Walnut St., Downtown).

Learn more about ArtWorks here.