CINCINNATI, OH: America’s only arts network, in partnership with Spectrum, has awarded Cincinnati Song Initiative (CSI) a 2018 Stand for the Arts award. These awards, recognizing outstanding local arts, cultural, and educational organizations in Spectrum markets across the U.S., are part of Ovation’s national arts advocacy platform called Stand for the Arts.
“It is an honor to be recognized in this way on such a nationally visible platform,” says CSI Founding Artistic Director Samuel Martin. “What Ovation TV and Spectrum identified in Cincinnati Song Initiative’s work is exactly what our audiences have known since we first began in 2016, and that is when beautiful music and perfect poetry meld and are made accessible to all, the power of the classical art song genre can connect diverse communities which would not otherwise be connected.”
Stand for the Arts awards are granted based on three criteria: level of community outreach and engagement, ability to create inclusive access to artistic programming, and innovative approach to arts education and skills development. The 2018 awards expand upon the initiative’s launch last year, with $120,000 committed this year to support awardees throughout twelve Spectrum markets.
“Having Spectrum partner with us again this year, while also doubling the number of markets is affirmation that our Stand for The Arts initiative is having a positive impact for all parties involved,” said Sol Doten, Vice President of Content Distribution Marketing at Ovation. “This goodwill partnership between Ovation and Spectrum puts a spotlight on the value of the arts across America and specifically these organizations that fuel the local economies through creativity and innovation, as well as providing communities with rich cultural and educational experiences.”
“We are proud to partner with Ovation again and thrilled this year’s Stand for The Arts commitment is doubling,” said Adam Falk, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs for Spectrum. “This initiative supports arts at the local level and recognizes outstanding and deserving organizations that share our commitment to strengthen the communities we serve.”
A formal award presentation with Ovation and Spectrum officials, along with Cincinnati dignitaries and press, is tentatively set for October 8 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Song Initiative begins its third mainstage season on September 22, with earlier outreach performances in August.
ABOUT CINCINNATI SONG INITIATIVE
Now in its third season, Cincinnati Song Initiative was founded to bring a concentrated and cohesive source of art song to the greater Cincinnati area. Dedicated to providing unique experiences through the power of poetry and music, each performance creates a sense of relevance and active engagement between performers and audiences. Each concert features singers and pianists of national renown, providing an unparalleled level of artistry within the context of an intimate and accessible atmosphere. Furthermore, Cincinnati Song Initiative remains devoted to the innovation of art song, commissioning and premiering new works to help bring the genre into the twenty-first century and connect more closely to today’s audiences.
For more information regarding upcoming concerts, artists, and CSI’s thematic projects, please visit www.cincinnatisonginitiative.org.