Pianist Awadagin Pratt among recipients of Cincinnati grants amplifying voices of artists of color

On Monday, the Cincinnati nonprofit ArtsWave “announced the winners of 27 projects proposed by local Black and Brown artists on a theme of ‘truth and reconciliation,’” writes Janelle Gelfand in Monday’s (1/18) Cincinnati Business Courier. “In all, 27 artists will receive $10,000 grants each, for a total of $271,638. The plans to elevate the work of artists of color have been discussed by arts leaders since the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis last May, and the subsequent unrest that swept across the nation, including Cincinnati. In November, ArtsWave announced the project, which also has been championed by Cincinnati Councilman Greg Landsman…. Projects represent a wide spectrum across the performing and visual arts. They will be presented both live and digitally…. Recipients range from established artists such as pianist Awadagin Pratt, professor at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, to emerging artists selected from a pool of 49 applicants. Projects range from the creation of a ‘Coffee Reconciliation Garden’ to a 90-minute stage play based on the true story of Margaret Garner, who was enslaved in Northern Kentucky…. The project will culminate in an exhibition in partnership with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center this summer.”