ArtsWave announces plans for first commissioned mural in Covington, opens call for artists

A new public art project in Covington is set to make LGBTQIA+ visibility a permanent part of the region’s landscape.

ArtsWave, the Cincinnati region’s primary funder and engine for the arts, and its ArtsWave Pride affinity group has announced a call for artists to create a mural reflecting the spirit of Pride. The commissioned mural, the first of its kind for the affinity group, will be installed on the west-facing exterior of Madison Design’s building at 515 Madison Ave.

The project represents a new step for ArtsWave Pride, which brings together LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to support the arts and has historically focused on funding programs and experiences. This initiative expands that work into public space, using art to reflect who is part of the community and who belongs.

The mural is also part of a broader effort led by ArtsWave to advance creative placemaking across Northern Kentucky, supporting projects that strengthen community identity, activate public spaces and contribute to neighborhood vitality.

“Creative placemaking is about shaping places that reflect who we are and where we’re going,” said Rachael Parker, director of Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking at ArtsWave. “Projects like this build on the momentum in Northern Kentucky, using art to strengthen identity, activate public space and create a sense of belonging.”

At a time when communities across the country are investing in public art to express identity and values, this mural is intended to do both, contributing to Covington’s growing creative landscape while making LGBTQIA+ presence more visible in Northern Kentucky. It is especially fitting that Northern Kentucky’s first Pride mural will be in Covington, the first city in the region to pass a Fairness Ordinance protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

That shared commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive spaces is reflected not only in public initiatives but also among local business leaders.

“At Madison, we strongly believe in artists and creative expression,” said Jackie Roberto, partner at Madison Design, which owns the building where the mural will be installed. “We’re excited to be a part of Covington’s commitment to public art and placemaking.”

The mural will be designed through the lens of the selected artist, offering flexibility for either literal or interpretive expressions of Pride. Artists are encouraged to reflect the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community in their work.

ArtsWave Pride invites artists and artist teams to apply through a qualifications-based process.

ArtsWave will host a free, virtual overview of the ArtsWave Pride Mural Guidelines and Application on Thursday, April 2 from noon-1 p.m.

Submissions should include:

ArtsWave