Camp Washington's social enterprise The Welcome Project is growing.
The initiative first came to be in 2017 via a partnership between art gallery Wave Pool and refugee aid organization Heartfelt Tidbits to offer art classes to local refugees. Just months later, after women in the class had inquired about selling their goods and having their own storefront, the building next to Wave Pool became available for use. The immigrant-run space has since served as a place for those involved to sell their goods and host classes, among other events.
On Feb. 29th from 6-9 p.m., Welcome Market will be unveiled. Described in a press release as a "place to grab kitchen essentials as well as spices, breads and specialty items from all over the world."
The expansion, according to the release, is funded mostly due to an Impact 100 grant worth $104,000 that the organization received in September 2018. Other funding came from the Haile Foundation. Later this year, a full commercial kitchen will open for cooking classes and pop-up dinners.
On Jan. 26, Cincinnati's Table held their first community meal in their new kitchen/market space. Serving up a year of free community dinners throughout last year, the series was meant to "introduce and empower immigrant home chefs around the city." Its continuation has been possible via a grant from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation's Giving Circle.
All the meals from 2018, as well as participating artists, chefs and community partners, were documented in a 126-page book stocked with recipes and stories. You can pick up your own copy at The Welcome Project or at various locations across the city, including downtown's Contemporary Arts Center. An extra bonus? The fourth Welcome Edition art object has also been recently released. This large serving platter was created by Break Front Studios and designed by local artist Terence Hammonds with the help of Pedro Moreno, Adriana Prieto Quintero, Monica Andino and Erika Nj Allen.
Not able to make it to the market's opening? After Feb. 29, the hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Welcome Project, 2936 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington. More info: welcomecincinnati.org.
