CINCINNATI—ArtWorks and Cincinnati Pride are working together to create a powerful mural commemorating the 50 years of celebrating Pride in Cincinnati.
Designed by local artist Matthew Dayler of Chroma Projects, the mural will capture the kaleidoscope of the LGBTQ+ community through vivid portrayals of protests, triumphs, and celebrations, depicting the unity and inclusivity of Pride. This mural will serve as an inspiring catalyst for positive change, nurturing a profound sense of belonging for those who see it.
This summer, a group of 12 apprentices, each 18 and 21 years old, with Lead Teaching Artist Daniel Baker and Teaching Artist Orion Inez, will bring this captivating design to life. The apprentices will work diligently to complete the mural over the next two months, and a special dedication ceremony will be scheduled in August to celebrate its completion.
“Celebrating Cincinnati Pride with a mural is a testament to the power of art to represent visible inclusivity,” said Colleen Houston, ArtWorks CEO and artistic director. “It boldly proclaims that vibrant expression matters, reminding us that inclusivity is our greatest strength. Through art, we paint a celebration of our past and a vision for a brighter future, where love, acceptance, and equality flourish through the fabric of our community.”
Cincinnati Pride started as a small grassroots movement in 1983 when it held its first official Pride event, according to Dustin Lewis, Director of Programming for the Cincinnati Pride Board of Directors. In subsequent years, Cincinnati Pride steadily grew in size and prominence. It became an opportunity not only for celebration but also for education, advocacy, and community building. The event has embraced a broader vision of inclusivity and intersectionality, reflecting the diverse identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. It has also become a platform for addressing social issues beyond LGBTQ+ rights, such as racial justice, gender equality, and healthcare access.
“Throughout its history, Cincinnati Pride has played a significant role in shaping the LGBTQ+ landscape of the city, providing a platform for community members to unite, express their identities, and advocate for equality,” said Lewis. “By promoting visibility and understanding, Cincinnati Pride has contributed to creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Cincinnati.”
The 2023 Cincinnati Pride parade is on June 24, 2023, starting at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at Seventh and Plum Streets, travels down Vine Street past Fountain Square, and ends at Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, the site of the Cincinnati Pride Festival. The event includes vibrant performances, educational workshops, vendor booths, and activities aimed at fostering a sense of unity, empowerment, and acceptance. Cincinnati Pride will be selling posters, magnets and signed panoramic prints of the mural design at the festival.
Dayler will be discussing creating this mural at ArtWorks’ Wet Paint speaking series on Thursday, June 29, 6–7:30 p.m. at the 21C Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Initial project support was provided by Procter & Gamble and the City of Cincinnati’s Career Pathways Initiative.
About the Mural Designer
Matthew Dayler, an Ontario-born artist, is an Assistant Professor at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. With a diverse range of interests, his artwork draws inspiration from historical and contemporary imagery, exploring themes of identity alongside elements of pop culture, music, and sports. Dayler’s creative expressions take various forms, including murals, prints, drawings, and video. His work can be found adorning the walls of corporate offices, schools, and public spaces across the USA, the Netherlands, and Australia. Based in Cincinnati, Dayler is the visionary behind Chroma Projects, a company specializing in the conceptualization and production of immersive murals and installations.
About Cincinnati Pride
Cincinnati Pride provides the Greater Cincinnati LGBTQIA+ community and allies a forum that promotes inclusion and acceptance while affirming individuality. They work to produce programs that inspire, educate, and commemorate our rich history, while also celebrating diverse culture. Pride fosters collaboration with area organizations and businesses through sponsorships, partnerships and programming, and provides resources to positively impact the lives of all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
About ArtWorks
Since 1996, ArtWorks has collaborated with community organizations and residents, businesses, governments, foundations, and nonprofits to build creative works of art that support the Greater Cincinnati region’s global reputation as an arts destination. ArtWorks has employed and trained over 3,500 professional artists and 4,000 youth, ages 14–24. We invest in our creative economy by creating jobs that support local talent, pairing professional artists to inspire and mentor diverse teams of youth, and helping them build 21st-century career-readiness skills. Over the past 27 years, this collaborative approach has created a citywide gallery with more than 14,000 public and private art projects, including more than 250 permanent outdoor murals.
