1-09-2026 9:18pm

Cincinnati Region Recognized for Sustained Arts Vibrancy

Beth Callahan Editor

Phil Armstrong, Cincinnati Art Museum Winter's Night Event, December 2024

Photo and story courtesy of Game Day Communications

CINCINNATI, OH -- SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, released its 10th annual ranking of the most arts-vibrant communities in the United States, identifying the Cincinnati region among the top 5 percent of communities nationwide, recognized in the 2025 Arts Vibrancy Index.

Beyond its placement in this year’s rankings, the Cincinnati region is also recognized as one of a small number of communities frequently included in the Arts Vibrancy Index over the past five years, demonstrating sustained arts vibrancy in the post-COVID era. The rankings are based on SMU DataArts’ Arts Vibrancy Index (AVI), which uses a data-driven approach to analyze per-capita supply, demand and public support for the arts across more than 900 communities nationwide.

“Being recognized again speaks to the strength and consistency of our arts ecosystem,” said Alecia Kintner, president and CEO of ArtsWave. “This sustained recognition reflects a long-standing, shared commitment to collective action for the arts from individual donors and artists to organizations, civic and business partners. The data reinforces the role the arts play as a public good that strengthens our entire region.”

The Cincinnati region’s sustained presence in the index reflects a broad and interconnected arts ecosystem, with creative activity happening year-round across neighborhoods, public spaces and institutions. From major regional moments like BLINK, to everyday arts experiences, this depth and consistency contribute to a more connected community and vibrant economy.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Arts Vibrancy Index, SMU DataArts expanded the list to 100 communities, up from 40 in previous years. In addition to identifying arts-vibrant communities, the research center has also expanded its analysis to provide deeper insight into long-term trends shaping the arts and culture sector. For details and to visualize community and state index data in depth, visit the data explorer.

“The Arts Vibrancy Index has shone a light on the people, organizations and investments that make local culture vibrant for the last 10 years,” said Dr. Jennifer Benoit-Bryan, executive director of SMU DataArts. “By expanding our list to one hundred communities, we celebrate the top 10 percent of arts-vibrant communities nationwide. Through all the ups and downs of the last decade, communities have continued to invest in their local arts, and the index has provided data-backed insights to inform planning, advocacy and well-deserved recognition.”

Consistently Recognized Arts-Vibrant Communities

These 22 communities have appeared at least three times in the Arts Vibrancy Index since 2020, evidence of sustained arts vibrancy in the post-COVID era. They are listed alphabetically by community name:

Ann Arbor, MI
Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos, TX
Bennington, VT
Bozeman, MT
Boulder, CO
Brevard, NC
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
Cleveland, OH
Denver–Aurora–Centennial, CO
Hailey, ID
Hudson, NY
Ithaca, NY
Juneau, AK
Kalamazoo–Portage, MI
Milwaukee–Waukesha, WI
Missoula, MT
Newark, NJ
Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro, OR-WA
Rifle, CO*
Steamboat Springs, CO
Vineyard Haven, MA
Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ

*Rifle, CO was previously listed in the index as Glenwood Springs, CO. The name reflects updated Census Bureau Core Based Statistical Area definitions.