As ArtsWave approaches its centennial in 2027, it is investing in the teachers who will help shape the next generation of creative leaders. Working with MeetNKY and Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts (SOTA), ArtsWave launched the BLINK Kentucky Educator’s Summit to give high school art teachers new ideas, relationships and resources they can carry into classrooms across Kentucky.
The inaugural summit brought 15 educators representing 11 schools and communities to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Oct. 8 and 9, during BLINK, illuminated by ArtsWave. The two-day professional development experience connected teachers with working artists, cultural institutions and educational opportunities that can help students imagine a future in the arts.
“This region has so much to offer arts educators,” said Rachael Parker, ArtsWave Director of Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking. “Teachers across Kentucky left with fresh ideas, new connections and tools to help bring up the next generation of our region’s creative leaders.”
“We want students across Kentucky to see an exciting, viable future for themselves in the arts,” said Matthew Albritton, Director of NKU School of the Arts. “That starts with giving their teachers opportunities to learn, exchange ideas and build relationships with our region’s artists and cultural organizations.”
Educators connected with faculty and students at SOTA, learned about the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts and explored The Carnegie’s galleries and educational spaces. At Cincinnati Art Museum, they participated in interdisciplinary arts education centered on “Yayoi Kusama: All the Eternal Love I Have for Pumpkins.” A Q&A with BLINK artist Gera1 from Athens, Greece connected teachers with an artist’s perspective before they explored the festival.
The summit extends ArtsWave’s investment as BLINK’s illuminating sponsor beyond the festival itself. By connecting educators with the region’s creative resources, ArtsWave aims to help today’s encounters with art become tomorrow’s classroom inspiration and opportunities for students.
ArtsWave is the illuminating sponsor of BLINK, supporting a festival that brings artists and creative work into public spaces across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The summit extends that investment by connecting Kentucky educators with the region’s creative resources to support future creatives.
“BLINK can open someone’s eyes to what art makes possible,” said Leslie Mooney, Executive Director of BLINK. “When teachers take that inspiration back to their classrooms, they can help students see their own potential as artists and creative thinkers. That is an investment whose impact can grow long after the festival lights go out.”
Early feedback points to connections teachers can build on: in a post-summit survey, 100% of respondents said they felt more connected to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, and 100% said they were more likely to share information about the region with friends and family.
Summit partners included BLINK, MeetNKY, NKU SOTA, The Carnegie, Cincinnati Art Museum, Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts, Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter, Thomas More University and the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK). MeetNKY and Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter sponsored lodging for participating educators.
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