ArtWorks 2023 New Monuments Initiative Report by 1001 Colors

CINCINNATI NEW MONUMENTS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT

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INITIATIVE

About Us

ArtWorks ArtWorks is an award-winning Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that creates community-based public art providing career opportunities for artists of all ages. The organization collaborates with community organizations, residents, businesses, governments, foundations, and nonprofits to build creative works of art that bolster the region’s global reputation as an arts destination. ArtWorks has trained and employed professional and youth artists and invested in Cincinnati’s 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 careerreadiness skills. ArtWorks’ mission is to create community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages. Year-long Employment ArtWorks year-round employment studios, provide teens and young adults, ages 18-24, with consistent employment for an entire year in a creative studio. ArtWorks Studio programs offer an unmatched experience for emerging artists to gain a unique skill set in artistic and administrative areas related to the studio concentration. In addition to training and hands-on-learning experiences in a creative medium, the program offers a career readiness curriculum designed to equip emerging artists with competitive skills for success in the creative industry and beyond. The Civic Studio As an extension of this mission, ArtWorks employed a team of 10 young adult artists, ages 18-24, in a year-long Civic Studio. Led by local Artist Asha White, ArtWorks’ Civic Artist in Residence; the Civic studio conducted research on current and future monuments in Cincinnati. These individuals have experiences in art education, urban planning, fine art, business, art therapy, arts administration, and more. This diverse skill set formed a well rounded team with a passion for art, as well as creatively engaging Cincinnati as a whole to make sure Cincinnati’s landscape is one of truth telling. Civic Studio Artists1: Aspen Stein Caitlyn Hyland Claire Wagner Eve Miller Lexi Spurlock Lia MacAskill Madison Lentz Niya Steagall Coniah Zoogah

We also thank the previous Civic Studio Artists for their significant contributions to this work: Jounte Armantrading Zero Pruitt Emilee Taylor Dani Freeman Callie Dorsey

Aspen Stein

Caitlyn Hyland

Claire Wagner

Eve Miller

Lia MacAskill

Madison Lentz

Niya Steagall

Coniah Zoogah

Cover Art by Anissa Pulcheon Detailed bios for the civic artist in residence and the Civic studio artists can be found in the Biographies section of this report

Lexi Spurlock

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Forward From the Hopewell Earthworks to Fountain Square, from Cincinnati’s abundant murals to the Black Brigade monument at Sawyer Point, the inhabitants of the land between the Miami River Valleys have long shaped our physical space to commemorate people and events, to record triumphs and losses.These monuments are structures explicitly created to commemorate stories selected as relevant, in shared spaces throughout our region. This report, the culmination of over a year of work by the ArtWorks Civic Studio, asks potent questions about which histories (and whose) we choose to remember in our public spaces. This report also offers diverse entry points to exploring those questions, rooted in an intense effort to understand both the monument landscape in our area and the feelings and visions of those who live with those monuments. At its core, this report is an invitation to those who call this area home to engage in a conversation about our past. Moreover, by encouraging us to reflect carefully on how we remember the past, this report offers an opportunity for us to collectively shape how we are remembered in the future. To do this, the report encompasses diverse and powerful approaches. It employs state-of-theart digital mapping techniques to create the most up-to-date inventory of monuments in the Cincinnati area, giving users access to a powerful new interactive tool to visualize and thematize our landscape. It summarizes the results of surveys deployed using scientific polling methods to provide a sound overview of opinions about monuments from various groups in our community. It uses public art opportunities to develop visions about what new monuments might look like, how they might be created, what they might remember, and how they might transform our shared spaces. Therefore, the report itself is a monument. It is a public remembrance of our own efforts to preserve our collective memory. It is a testament to our ongoing efforts to shape our sense of ourselves. And to do so critically, rather than a call to forget or obscure our past, to simply teardown or to deny, it is a call to actively take responsibility for the ways in which our monumentladen spaces cultivate (or hinder) the sense of meaning and belonging that unites (or divides) us in this region. So we, the advisory committee of the ArtWorks New Monument Initiative, invite you to embody the curiosity and wonder that the authors used to frame this work. We welcome you to this conversation. We encourage you to track your experience: How does this work make you feel? What would you like to see next? We invite you to further participate by sharing your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from you!

William P. Umphres, Ph.D on behalf of the the New Monument Advisory committee2 Director, Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation School of Public and International Affairs University of Cincinnati

Full list of advisory committee members and their roles in the private and public sector, can be found on page 11

Preface As an organization committed to community-based public art, ArtWorks has led neighborhood focused civic engagement in Cincinnati for 27 years. We have co-created thousands of large-scale murals, sculptures, light-based installations, bike racks, benches and more– to celebrate the history and unique characters of our communities with direct input from organized partners and residents. With this initiative, we are focusing on works of public art that do not yet exist in our community as well as the role of monuments in the creation of our public, civic landscape. Why monuments? In 2021, the National Monument Audit produced by Monument Lab, found the monument landscape across the US to be overwhelmingly white and male. The most common features of American monuments uplift war and conquest. The story of the United States, as told by our current monuments, misrepresents history by excluding a diverse body of collective narratives. Monuments make a public statement about the ideas, values, and individuals a community thinks their society should remember or honor. We believe we can make a difference and ensure Cincinnati’s monument landscape offers a unique, innovative, and inspiring perspective, different than the rest of our country. We aim to lead this initiative to make a public statement of equity and to celebrate and affirm the historical contributions of the many diverse communities and individuals that make up Cincinnati. As part of what we envision for the future, we launched this massive community engagement project that included collecting input over an entire year, asking thousands of community residents what contemporary monuments should be and inquiring: “What should our future monuments look like and what should they represent?” Our goal has been to foster equity and inclusion and prioritize listening to underrepresented groups. We employed a team of 11 artists for our first-ever yearlong Civic Studio, including ten Civic Studio Artists and one Artist-in-Residence. We intend for the process and results of collecting input from across our community to inspire a new generation. When we involve young artists in public artwork and community engagement, we are developing civic leaders and advocates for our future who will uphold inclusion and collaboration. We are grateful to our advisory committee and early supporters to realize this first milestone towards creating more equitable monuments across our community. And we look forward to the continued work ahead!

Colleen Houston ArtWorks’ CEO & Artistic Director Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

photo by Romain Mayambi

Introduction A message from ArtWorks Civic Artist-in-Residence, Asha White

In our rapidly evolving world, public monuments face scrutiny, urging us to reevaluate their meaning, representation, and cultural impact. Positioned at the intersection of history and progress, ArtWorks was inspired to embark on a mission to redefine the purpose and honorees of our city’s public monuments through the New Monuments Initiative. It has been my personal honor to lead the Civic Studio through the exploration of monuments, and how art can be used as an entry point to communicate and dream a new and inclusive future in the monument landscape. This report serves as your guide to our captivating journey, unveiling stories, voices, and insights that may shape the future of monuments. The New Monuments Initiative: Crafting a New Narrative At the core of ArtWorks’ New Monuments Initiative lies a desire to reimagine public art, breathing fresh life into sculptures, plaques, and memorials that punctuate our city. Discover the Civic Studio in this report—a vibrant space where young creatives and community members converge. Inspired by projects like Paper Monuments and Monument Lab, our initiative catalyzes conversations, creating space for meaningful changes in how a community is represented by its public art. Meet the driving force behind this project, the passionate members of the Civic Studio, whose stories are detailed in the appendix. Mission and Values: Connecting with Our Community As you journey through this report, explore ArtWorks’ deeply rooted mission and values, expanded through the work of the New Monuments Initiative. Grounded in principles that connect us with our community, especially those historically marginalized or overlooked, this initiative seeks to make public art a true reflection of our shared identity. Exploring the Monument Audit Embark on the Monument Audit—a meticulous examination of Cincinnati’s existing public monuments. This report guides you through cataloging our current monuments, supporting the need for new and innovative ones. Experience an interactive map, allowing a digital exploration of our city’s history as it is told today. More details about Paper Monuments and Monument Lab can be found in the glossary of this report. 3

2023 NMI REPORT

The Art of the Process Unveil the intricate behind-the-scenes process, revealing how data was collected, community engagement strategies, and the tools that helped reshape our public art landscape. Through the eyes of Civic Studio members and partners, gain a deeper understanding of the effort involved. Believing that public art should reflect the people it serves, the report takes you on a journey through events that connected us with diverse communities over the past year. Share in engagement data, narratives, and testimonies from event leads, bringing these experiences to life. Unveiling the Monumental Themes of Cincinnati Throughout this journey, The Civic Studio uncovered fascinating themes through conversation with community members, especially those not often sought after for input. These stories reflect our city’s collective identity/. Within this report you will find a summary of their feedback, providing key takeaways. The Civic Studio explored each event in detail, and the report features compelling narratives, graphics, and charts presenting findings. What Lies Ahead The report concludes with a call to action, inviting you to join our mission. Discover recommendations, information on future phases, and ways to get involved. Whether you’re an artist, a fiscal supporter of the arts, a resident of Cincinnati, or simply a passionate advocate for inclusive public art, this report offers a blueprint for change. So, grab your coffee, settle in, and prepare to embark on a journey through Cincinnati’s art, history, and community! This narrative celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the enduring power of public art to tell our city’s story. This report is an invitation to think with us, encouraging critical self-reflection on why monuments are as they are and serving as a catalyst for further discussion. Asha White ArtWorks’ Civc Artist-in-Residence New Monuments Initiative Lead

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The New Monuments Initiative The New Monuments Initiative (NMI) strives to transform and reconstruct commemorative spaces, by honoring and acknowledging the rich historical contributions of the diverse communities comprising Cincinnati. Public monuments serve as declarations that reflect a community’s beliefs, values, and choices regarding who or what deserves remembrance and recognition. ArtWorks, in collaboration with community partners, is dedicated to shaping Cincinnati’s statement to one that champions equity, justice, and an honest portrayal of history. New Monuments can take the form of prototypes, outdoor art exhibitions, and mixed media installations. They are more than memorials, historical markers, and public statuary. They are also storytelling tools and civic spaces to gather and make meaning. ArtWorks’ Civic Studio hosted public dialogue and reflection that re-centered voices, stories, and narratives to include those who have often been denied historical recognition to inform the creation of new monuments in Cincinnati. The New Monuments Initiative has been structured to be completed in two phases:

Phase 1: Partnership development, community engagement, research, and inventory. In this phase, the Civic Studio developed and implemented a community engagement plan that will inform the development of new monuments in Cincinnati. The final deliverables of this phase includes the creation of this report, which compiles the data collected by the Civic studio in 2023.

Phase 2: Monument creation and activation. We anticipate this phase to begin in 2025, utilizing this report to garner community, government and funding support to create new monument(s).

thanks to our donors

ArtWorks and the Civic Studio would like to acknowledge and thank the New Monuments Initiative Advisory Committee for their support and direction throughout the initial phases of this project. The Advisory committee is composed of leaders in the business, government, social welfare, and education sectors of our region.The advisory committee includes: ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Gary Phillip Zola Executive Director, The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives; The Edward M. Ackerman Family Distinguished Professor of the American Jewish Experience and Reform Jewish History

Jackie Congedo Chief Community Engagement & External Relations Officer, Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center

Caitlin Behle Director of Community Leadership, Design Impact

Kathy Nardiello Regional Manager, Oracle Corporation; Co-Founder of ArtsWave Pride

Jennifer Spieser Executive Director, Cincinnati Parks Foundation

Maria Seda-Reeder Director of Exhibitions and Artist Support Initiatives, Wave Pool

Marin Emanuel Multimedia Creator, ArtWorks’ Youth Apprentice Alum

Rod Walton Director of Operations at Cohear & Interim CEO

Michael Coppage Conceptual Artist; Lead artist, Black Art Speaks

Rosie Polter Former Program Officer, Greater Cincinnati Foundation & Cultural Resource Consultant

William P. Umphres, Ph.D. Director for the Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation, Assistant Professor, Educator School of Public and International Affairs University of Cincinnati

Shauna Murphy Assistant Superintendent at CPS, Office of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Director

Alandes Powell Visionary/Co-Owner, Black Art Speaks Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

April Gallelli Program Manager, Hamilton County Community Development

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2023 NMI REPORT

Cincinnati Monument Audit What is the monument audit? The Civic Studio’s audit of the existing Cincinnati monuments was inspired by the National Monument Audit completed by Philadelphia based non-profit Monument Lab. In 2020, the public art and history studio set out to record as many monuments as they could discover across the United States. While the information on the 50,000 monuments logged was incredibly valuable to the Civic Studio’s audit, there were a number of gaps in the Cincinnati area. It became evident that a local monument audit conducted by regional experts would be the most effective approach at the local level, preventing the oversight of lesser-known monuments. Before the studio could begin logging existing monuments, it was important to determine a definition of the word monument that each studio artist could base their entries upon. After careful contemplation and group discussion, they decided to use the following definition:

“A physical work, public space, or landscape which represents an important story or community value to be remembered for generations to come.”

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In addition to the National Monument Audit, other resources inspired The Civic Studio’s research efforts, such as The Ohio Historic Landmark Inventory, Cincinnati’s List of Local Landmarks and Historic Sites, and past reports of specific monuments and works of public art in the city such as “Black History Sites in Cincinnati” a comprehensive list of African American monuments and memorials throughout Greater Cincinnati, provided by Anne Delano Steinert, Assistant Professor, Department of History at the University of Cincinnati. Despite finding a significant amount of entries online in various sources, the studio continued to conduct deeper exploration. To start, each studio artist was assigned three to four of Cincinnati’s fifty-two neighborhoods. They were encouraged to take a walk through their neighborhood, both physically and through the use of Google Earth. The Civic Studio Artists researched every artifact found. Once the studio artist felt they had exhausted all efforts within a neighborhood, they checked it off the list and moved onto the next one. This process carried on until all of the fifty-two neighborhoods were searched and their monuments were logged. Once logged, the studio leveraged technology to make the data accessible to the public. ESRI’s ArcGIS and ArcGIS’ experience builder were used to create a web page accessible via app to capture the various data collected through our audit. ArcGIS is a software that allows users to view, edit, and manage geographical data. For the purposes of the Monument Audit, it allowed the Civic Studio to map the location of each monument and attach the different pieces of information recorded in the spreadsheet. Experience Builder then utilizes the map and its data to create a webpage where the public can then interact with the data in a variety of ways.

All the monument entries were logged in a spreadsheet and required the following information (if applicable): Monument Name: The official name of the monument Alternative Name: The alternate name or subtitle for this monument Text: The plaque or marker text with formatting removed Description: A description of what the monument represents Latitude: In decimal degree format Longitude: In decimal degree format Address: Street name and number of monument’s location Neighborhood: The neighborhood location of the monument Key Words: aka “Topic”, “Tag”, “Type”, “Category”, and “Subject.” List (separated by commas) of open-ended categories or topics that this monument falls under (selected from compiled list of themes, demographics, monument type, etc) Honorees: List of who or what the monument is honoring Creators: List of individuals involved in the construction/creation of this monument (architects, sculptors, foundries, etc) Sponsors: List of entities that sponsored this monument URL Source: The URL of the data source’s monument record Photo Source: The URL link to photo file on Basecamp or online

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Civics Studio

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Artist Credit: Caitlyn Hyland, Civic Studio Artist

Monumental Themes of Cincinnati The Civic Studio successfully logged 218 monuments throughout the course of 2023 and categorized each based on location, type, and subject matter. These specific categories were inspired by the National Monument Audit’s method of data categorization. Monuments could be categorized by any number of tags so long as pertained to the subject. It is important to note the limitations of the monument audit, such as a possibility of missing monuments during the documentation process or exhibiting biases within monument categorization. The Civic Studio undertook an initial endeavor to catalog all monuments in Cincinnati during their neighborhood reviews, providing a snapshot of the current landscape. However, this audit, constituting a singular effort without subsequent updates, may overlook recently added, hidden, or obscure monuments not identified by the studio artists. It is imperative to acknowledge that this documentation offers a brief glimpse

TYPE

DEMOGRAPHICS

SUBJECT

Landscape (3) Memorial (28) Fountain (6) Bench (4) Building (22) Historical Marker (47) Public Space (24) Mural (54) Cemetery/Burial Site (11) Plaque (6) Statue (33) Sculpture (25)

Native American (5) African American (52) White (72) Cuban American (1) German (7) Asian (1) Hispanic (7)

Settlements/settlers (5) US Civil War (11) Native American History(4) Religion(23) Music(10) Arts (26) Architecture(14) Nature (6) Segregation (5) Education (32) Black History (29) Ohio River (9) Conservation/Preservation (18) Love (7) Community (65) Food (4) Underground Railroad (4) Family (10) Pride (3) War (36) Science (4) US Government (9) WWI (18) WWII (7) Industry (18) Sports (15) Women’s Rights (5) Cincinnati History (91) White Man on Horse (1) US President (8) Public Service (6) US Military (15) Abolition (1) US Revolutionary War (1) Immigration/Immigrants (4) Local Business (3)

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Artist Credit: Lexi Spurlock, Civic Studio Artist

Woman (37) Man (105) Christian/Catholic (9) Jewish (4)

into the evolving monument scene during the studio’s exploration, with the understanding that it will not undergo further updates or revisions. The Civic Studio also worked from a common definition of the term “monument,” however individual understandings of that definition may have created biases when it came to deciding how to categorize a monument or whether to give it monumental status. It is important to acknowledge that 25% of the monuments captured within the audit were murals produced by ArtWorks. ArtWorks continues to be committed to creating artwork that represent Cincinnati’s diverse community. Because of this continued effort for diverse representations in public art, Cincinnati’s monument data may reflect a more inclusive picture of the monument landscape, when compared to the national reports. A detailed discussion of the data collection and methods can be found in the limitations section of this report.

TOP 10 SUBJECTS

26 32 ARTS

EDUCATION

29 BLACK HISTORY

CONSERVATION/ PRESERVATION

18 23 65 36 18 91 INDUSTRY

RELIGION

COMMUNITY

WAR

WWI

CINCINNATI HISTORY

To learn more about ArtWorks murals and the story behind their creation, please visit https://www. artworkscincinnati.org/public-art/ Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

To see the full list of monuments logged over the course of 2023 visit with the QR Code.

Monumental Themes of Cincinnati (continued)... Who is Represented In addition to tagging the monuments based on their subject matter, the Civic Studio identified any demographic features such as sex and race that were represented within the monument. This could be within the story told through text or context as well as demographics physically represented within the piece. While not all monuments obviously represented a specific demographic, many of the entries were tagged with a variety of demographics. In the 2020 census, Cincinnati reported that 51% of its residents identified as female and 47% identified as male (City of Cincinnati, 2021). This fairly even split in the population’s identified sex is certainly not represented within the existing monument landscape. For every one monument representing women within Cincinnati, there are two representing men. Moreover, of the 37 monuments which represent women, 18 of those represent men as well. This means that only 19 of the 220 monuments logged in the Civic Studio’s audit solely reflect women. Also reported in the 2020 census, 47% of Cincinnati residents identified as white, 43% identified as African American-alone or some combination of, 5% identified as Hispanic or Latino, and 3% identified as Asian-alone or some combination of (City of Cincinnati, 2021). Within the monument landscape of Cincinnati, 32% of those logged in the audit represent white people. Additionally, 23% represent African American individuals, 3% represent Hispanic individuals, and less than 1% represent Asian individuals. While these percentages seem to be fairly aligned, the ratio of racial representation in existing Cincinnati monuments shows the evident separation with there being only one monument representing the Hispanic population in Cincinnati for every ten representing white individuals. What Is Represented A significant number of monuments across the Cincinnati area reflect the topic of local and iconic individuals with statues and memorials. Approximately 41% of monuments logged in the audit were tagged with the subject “Cincinnati History.” This subject may seem like something that every Cincinnati monument should be tagged with, however pieces of public work commemorate not only historical events/people, but also community values and themes that may not translate directly to Cincinnati History. There are also quite a few monuments which refer to general United States history, rather than pertaining to events that specifically occurred in Cincinnati. However, the theme of “Cincinnati History” still appeared most frequently amongst the subject tags. The second most frequent subject was “Community” which appeared in 30% of the monuments logged. With the term monument carrying negative connotations for many people today, it’s refreshing to see that Cincinnati has dedicated a significant percentage of the monumental landscape to commemorating the community. While the top two subjects of existing Cincinnati monuments reflect positive values and local pride, the third highest occurring subject falls in line with common perceptions of monuments. “War” appeared in the subject tags in 16% of the logged monuments. Compared to opposing themes such as “Love” which appeared in 3%, the concept of war seems to be a significant part of Cincinnati’s monumental landscape.

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2023 NMI REPORT

What Stories are Told In addition to categorizing monuments based on overarching themes like war, love, or community, the Civic Studio meticulously tagged them according to specific historical events. Cincinnati boasts 36 monuments dedicated to various wars, including the US Revolutionary War, US Civil War, WWI, and WWII. Notably, only four monuments commemorate the Underground Railroad, a historical event integral to Cincinnati’s identity. This striking contrast prompts reflection on the city’s choices in public commemoration, revealing disparities in emphasis on different facets of its rich history. In Cincinnati’s monumental landscape, dominated by narratives of war, there exists a noteworthy counterbalance of monuments dedicated to commemorating Black History. Within this distinct category, the Civic Studio’s tagging initiative captures a diverse range of historically significant events, prominently including the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movements. These monuments serve as powerful markers, symbolizing the city’s commitment to acknowledging and preserving the pivotal contributions and struggles of the Black community throughout history.

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Artist Credit: Madison Lentz, Civic Studio Artist

Overview of Process and Methodology Visual Journals At the start of the Civic studio, before conducting community engagement, each Civic Studio Artist began by grounding themselves in their own perspective of Monuments; reflecting on what they represent and what monuments tell us about what our society values, how those values shift throughout time, and what they believe is important to memorialize. This was accomplished through the use of a visual journal. Visual journals are similar to traditional journals because they are a place where the journalist is allowed to utilize visual guides, sketches, calligraphy, ect. Visual journaling is a core component of the studio’s practice because it allows us to process and interact with knowledge through a creative mindset. This created space for multiple interpretations and understandings of the knowledge we generated as a studio and within community spaces. In the beginning of the New Monuments Initiative, Asha gave the studio artists prompts that asked for reflection

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Civics Studio

and research on the existing histories and monuments in Cincinnati. Through these prompts and journaling, the studio began to understand the current landscape of monuments in our city and gather knowledge. This context was vital to ground our knowledge generation within the context of Cincinnati’s history and the contemporary communities that make up our city. The studio then moved on to monument ideation and considered the potential for monuments. What could they look like? What stories could they uphold and highlight? Once the studio was grounded in the potential monuments possessed for collective remembrance, visual journaling was used to ideate community engagement events and strategies that would serve communities and yield feedback. The studio continued to use visual journaling to generate ideas and discussed as a group what methods would best work in community with the marginalized communities the studio was connecting with. Through reflective journaling after each engagement the studio worked in our visual journals to reflect what went well, what we should adjust, and what we should not do in the future.

Preparing for and Executing Community Engagement Over the past year, the studio developed plans to generate support and knowledge, lead meaningful community engagements in Cincinnati, and analyze the community data they collected. To best manage and execute their first interactions with the public, the team was divided into three groups: Marketing, Event Planning, and Zine/Survey/Workbook5. The Marketing Team began by brainstorming ways to tell the public about the initiative, outside of the informational zine the Zine Team developed. The Marketing Team procured social media posts, flyers, and canvassing plans. Concurrent with these efforts, Civic Studio Artist Emilee Taylor created an informational video about the New Monuments Initiative for sharing on ArtWorks’ website and across social media platforms. Throughout the project, ArtWorks’ marketing department worked to release information and updates on the project in the form of articles, newsletter, and interviews. The Zine Team developed an informational zine based on designs from the civic artists and created the New Monuments Initiative workbook and survey. The NMI workbook was designed for deep divers wanting to fully immerse themselves in story telling and monument ideation. Additionally, both an online survey and paper survey were created to be conscious of accessibility. Stephen Mockabee, Associate Professor of Political Science in the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Cincinnati, supported the creation of the survey by meeting with the studio to discuss the process of creating an ethical and effective survey. Mockabee directs the Graduate Certificate in Public Opinion and Survey Research and presented the survey to his research students, who later provided us with additional feedback. Mockabee and his students aided in designing questions that allowed for basic understanding of the initiative’s concepts to yield the best answers. The Events Team designed and curated the initiative’s first event, Monumental Conversations, handling planning and executing event activities, decor, event layout, and logistics. After the inaugural event, the Civic Studio Artists adjusted work distribution to ensure each member had the opportunity to engage in different aspects of event planning, including partner communication, event design, and marketing. In the first quarter of the project, the Civic Studio initiated a Start, Stop, Continue reflection process. During this phase, each Civic Studio Artist compiled a list of actions they believed should be initiated, ceased, or maintained in future events. These reflections were then collectively shared, allowing the artists to emphasize the most frequently mentioned or supported starts, stops, and continues. One notable insight from the initial reflection centered on refining best practices for

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5 A zine is a small-circulation self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images. Zines are the product of either a single person or of a very small group, and are popularly photocopied into physical prints for circulation. Historically, zines have provided community for socially isolated individuals or groups through the ability to express and pursue common ideas and subjects. For this reason, zines have cultural and academic value as tangible traces of marginal communities, many of which are otherwise little-documented. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zine

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Artist Credit: Madison Lentz, Civic Studio Artist

engaging the project’s target populations. Rather than focusing on drawing in various communities, the studio’s emphasis transitioned to active collaboration with partners already connected to these target demographics. To ensure a meaningful focus on Cincinnati’s community, the Civic Studio compiled a list of historically underrepresented populations, prioritizing marginalized communities. This included women and mothers, the LGBTQ+ community, the Asian community, African Americans, immigrants + refugees, individuals experiencing homelessness, queer youth, elderly individuals, the disabled population, and Indigenous peoples. Each NMI event held in 2023 started with a population, an idea, and a partnership. The process would be executed by brainstorming ideas and activities for a specific population, connecting with organizations related to the population the studio is trying to reach, deciding if a special event would be held or if the studio would join a pre-existing event, and then finalizing event plans. Each event was tailored to the population the studio interacted with, considering the partner’s connections to the population and its access to resources. For example, when partnering with Queen’s Village, whose efforts are focused on supporting Black mothers and infant health, activities aimed to uplift motherhood and women. With events, surveys, and workbooks came an abundance of data. Data collected at events were collected and housed in Basecamp6, the Civic Studio’s project management software. For data analysis, the data was uploaded to SpeakAI7 which assisted in transcription, highlighting common themes, and extracting trends and sentiments. However, this software had its limits in terms of fully expressing the nuances of the rich narratives provided by the community. Volunteer Analyst Aashka Raval is a University of Cincinnati graduate with a degree in Business Analytics and interest in data journalism. Aashka joined the team and took the data further by performing her own models on the data. Lastly, over 100 hours of work went into the report you are reading now. The Civic Studio worked to create a visual guide for this report, providing an aesthetic direction to the report designer, Rachael Hardy. The report was divided among Civic artists for writing. The writing underwent multiple drafts and reviews from ArtWorks staff and community members invested in the future of monuments. Those reviewers include: the Civic Studio Artists, Civic Artist-in-Residence Asha White, ArtWorks’ Director of Community Impact Karla Batres Gilvin, ArtWorks’ Senior Director of Impact Sydney Fine, Vittoria Daiello, Associate Professor of Art & Design Education in the College of DAAP, Aashka Raval, Co-founder of United Asian Advocates and Business Analyst, Deqah Hussein-Wetzel, Architectural Historian and Founder of Urbanist Media, and Amy Tuttle, Executive Director of Wordplay Cincinnati.

Methodology The Civic Studio utilized Arts Based Research (ABR), a qualitative research methodology. As the “naturalistic study of social meanings and processes, using interviews, observations, and the analysis of texts and images”(Stanford Libraries, 2023), qualitative research methods are well suited for studying qualities of lived experience. Qualitative methods also allow for the study of how and why aspects of our lived experiences are structured in the ways that they are. ABR is a distinctive form of qualitative research that uses art and artistic processes to generate data, represent data, and develop nuanced understandings about a phenomenon. Arts based research democratizes the research process and disrupts preexisting understandings of the research process through its collaborative nature. The studio worked within communities and asked for personal narratives to be shared in creative ways. The act of creating allows for deeper contemplation and reflection of the inquiries we posed. The prioritization of creation and personal narrative allowed the studio to focus on subjective history. This allowed the Civic Studio to align our mission, to reimagine, and rebuild commemorative spaces with our research methodology.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet Basecamp is a web-based project management platform that allows for group collaboration.This platform also houses data such as images, audio recordings, and documents. 7 Speak Ai is a web-based platform that uses artificial intelligence to help research teams turn unstructured audio, video, and text into insights using transcription and Natural language processor.

Spotlight Throughout the year, the Civic Studio had the opportunity to connect with a variety of people, each sharing their unique stories. The project aimed to shed light on narratives that might have slipped through the cracks of history—tales of everyday challenges, triumphs, and the enduring spirit of the people who call Cincinnati home. The goal was to acknowledge these oftenoverlooked narratives, recognizing their enduring impact on present-day experiences in hopes of showing that these stories are just as important as any other story in the data collection process. By delving into these stories, the Civic Studio hopes to offer a more complete understanding of shared history and its implications for today’s Cincinnatians. It is important to note that this list isn’t comprehensive of all the unique and diverse stories shared with the studio over the course of 2023, but it serves as a starting point for future research and inquiry.

This icon represents a few stories that the Civic Studio would like to highlight.

By uncovering and highlighting stories that may have otherwise been relegated to the margins of history, the Civic Studio seeks to bridge the gap between past and present, fostering a deeper sense of connection and understanding among the people of our city. As we celebrate the resilience and richness embedded in these forgotten tales, we look forward to a future where the collective tapestry of Cincinnati continues to be woven with threads of inclusivity, empathy, and appreciation for the myriad voices that contribute to our shared story.

Civics Studio

Findings & Discussion Over the past 12 months of 2023, the Civic Studio successfully engaged 2,153 members of the Cincinnati community. The communities engaged were both the general public, along with pre-identified target demographics through in-person interactions, surveys, and creative art-making opportunities. Community feedback was gathered not only during Civic Studio-hosted events but also through surveys in both paper and digital formats, as well as creative workbooks. These materials were available at select events, online, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the College Hill Branch Library. Through 23 community engagement events, the Civic Studio connected with diverse marginalized populations, including youth, the elderly, individuals experiencing homelessness, women, immigrants and refugees, African American and Asian communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Through events, surveys, and workbooks, The Civic Studio received input from over 2,153 community members in Cincinnati. Below you will find details about the demographic makeup of the people who engaged with this work. Following the demographic details, you will find a list of each of the 23 community engagements the Civic studio hosted. This list is accompanied by details of the data collection methods used and a summary of the information collected at each event. Lastly you will find additional survey and workbook data collected from the public. Although each event’s creative activity was tailored to previously mentioned demographics, all art-making experiences aimed to explore one or more of the following: the public’s feelings about existing monuments, our collective values, untold community histories, ideas about what’s crucial for future generations, and perspectives on what a new monument could represent for the community.

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Respondent Demographics RACE + ETHNICITY

Demographics were not collected at each event. The demographics of our respondents have been drawn from multiple sources of specific event documentation such as surveys, worksheets, and event registration. The information presented below regarding the demographics of our respondents have been collected from the following sources:

Indigenous Asian Hispanic Mixed

Black

White

250

200

150

100

Age

2-6

6-10

11-15

16-20

21-25

26-30

31-40

41-50

51-60

61-70

71-80

81-90

LOCATION 45237 45213

45212

45223 45211

45209

45229 45220 45207

45208

45206

45219 45214

45238

41074

45205

45226

45202

45204

50-100

100+

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

25-50

10-25

0-10

GENDER

267

Male

492

Female

Non-Binary

Male Trans

Female Trans

Other Trans Identities 0

100

200

300

400

500

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Event Details and Data Analysis Upon examination of the data, distinct trends in monument preferences act as insights into collective aspects of Cincinnati’s identity and culture. These emerging themes will serve as the guiding principles for the creation of Cincinnati-specific monuments, ensuring they are a true reflection of the participants’ voices. For analysis purposes, participants are defined as individuals who have attended an event and engaged in at least one creative or survey activity. A response entails a participant’s written work, artwork, discussion contribution, or any other form of answer to the activity prompt. A keyword is a specific word or phrase directly mentioned in a response, as opposed to a theme which constitutes a category that aligns within an overarching pattern (e.g. food, animals). It is worth noting that a participant could have contributed more than one response, and a response can include more than one theme or keyword. An additional point to consider when reviewing the reported data is the exclusion of Places, Materials, and Individuals in final event takeaways. Due to the questions prompted throughout our various engagement activities (i.e. “Where in Cincinnati would you like to see a new monument?”), the thematic categories of Places, Materials, and Individuals received large amounts of mentions. To avoid skewing the data by giving unequal advantage to these themes, Places, Materials, and Individuals will be excluded from thematic discussion of data responses and instead be used to bring any significant or repeatedly mentioned items within these categories to light. More insight into the overall impact of these three major themes is explored in the Key Findings section, where top mentioned Places, Materials, and Individuals are listed. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

At the Queen of the Hills Festival, the Civic Studio learned the story of Marurice McCrackin. McCrackin was an American civil rights and peace activist. He was removed from his church, St. Barnabas, for standing up for his beliefs against the Vietnam War. He decided to open his own small community church, in which a lot of his former parishioners followed. He is most well known for being an active activist in many protests for racial equity and was arrested over and over again because of his persistence.

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Monumental Conversations Location: ArtWorks V2 Gallery Population reached: ArtWorks network & the general public Description: Guests had the option to participate in a 10-minute portrait and interview session, during which their personal stories and community insights were recorded. They were asked to “Consider a personal or community story that is important to you.” Each guest received a portrait to take home in exchange for an interview. There was also a graffiti wall where guests could respond to any of the following prompts, “What stories deserve to be recognized in your community?”, “Tell us about your community.”, “What makes Cincinnati feel like home?”, “What’s your favorite Cincinnati memory/moment?”, and to “Create your own monument and tell us about it!” The Civic Studio’s inaugural event, Monumental Conversations, marked the start of the year’s creative research opportunities. Located at the ArtWorks’ V2 Gallery, Monumental Conversations was open to the public. Through engagement in collage creation, portrait conversations, and graffiti wall prompts, 70 participants were invited to share their interests and preferences surrounding the creation of new monuments. The event collected a total of 77 responses. Love, Local Events, Family and Friends, and Nature were the leading significant themes mentioned during Monumental Conversations, providing insight into participants’ monumental visions. The place most mentioned was the Ohio River/Cincinnati Waterfront. This event demonstrated an interest in the relationship between monuments and the local natural landscape, as well as accessible monument interaction within public spaces and local events. Additionally, responses emphasized a strong presence of communal love as a key factor in Cincinnatian identity.

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Nature: 9 Love: 8 Entertainment: 6 Local Event: 6 Places: 6 Family and Friends: 4 Connection/ Togetherness: 3 Safety/Comfort: 2 Kindness: 2 Sports: 2 Youth: 1 Acceptance: 1 Diversity: 1 Joy: 1 Gentrification: 1 Food: 1 Education: 1 Animals: 1 Transportation: 1

Testimony from Civic Studio Artist

“This was our first event and we were still getting to know each other as a team. It was an opportunity to learn what makes community engagement work.” - Aspen Stein

Top 5 Keywords: Person Lantern Lunar New Year Asian Top 5 Keywords: Xavier Murals Public Art Art Downtown

Top 5 Keywords: Women Skyline River BLINK Northside Art: 12 Music: 7 Place: 5 History: 4 Individual: 4 Pop Culture: 4 Women’s Rights and Representation: 5 Identity: 3 Nature: 3 Animals: 2 Family and Friends: 2 Local Event: 2 Resilience: 2 Politics: 2 Connection/Togetherness: 2 Food: 2 Memorial: 1 Acceptance: 1 LGBTQ+: 1 Youth: 1 Growth: 1 Support: 1 Entertainment: 1 Friends and Family: 1 Humor: 1

Advisory Day at Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students Partner: Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students Location: Walnut Hills Population reached: Youth Description: The Civic Studio focused on career development and introduced arts-based research methods as valuable life skills for highschool students. Students completed a “Create your own Monument” page from the NMI workbook, followed by answering graffiti wall prompts which included: “What’s your favorite Cincinnati memory/moment?”, “What makes Cincinnati feel like home?”, “What stories deserve to be recognized in your community?”, and “Tell us about your community.” The Spencer Center Advisory Day engaged 25 participants from the youth population, contributing a total of 54 responses. By responding to the graffiti wall prompts, attendees actively contributed their perspectives on monuments. Data analysis revealed that Art was the predominant theme, followed by Music, Pop Culture, and History. Notably, the Cincinnati Art Museum emerged as the most frequently mentioned location. These trends suggest an interest in the artistic qualities reflected in monument design, as well as niche topics within pop culture and music communities. Pop culture items mentioned include punk, emo, and various video games. In addition to engaging in the graffiti wall, participants completed worksheets prompting them to create their own monument. Results revealed that Women’s Rights, Leadership, and Representation was the leading theme mentioned by these Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet youth participants, indicating a corresponding push for women’s representation in the future Cincinnati monuments.

“We appreciated being invited to the students’ classrooms to talk about their futures and encourage them to pursue opportunities aligned with one or multiple of their interests. It was refreshing to witness participants injecting humor and pop culture references into their answers. The students highlighted how monuments don’t always have to be serious and a little silliness might even reach a more universal audience of people.“ Testimony from Civic Studio Artist - Madison Lentz 31

At the Resilient Community Project engagement, participants were asked, “If they could create a healthy community, what would it include?” The theme of spaces emerged, emphasizing the need for affordable, safe, and comfortable spaces available for people to create a healthy community. In essence, safe spaces are vital for creating a healthy community by nurturing open communication, fostering inclusivity, supporting mental and emotional wellbeing, and promoting personal growth. As communities continue to prioritize Lorem ipsum dolor amet in the establishment of safe andsitinvest spaces, they lay the groundwork for a resilient, compassionate, and thriving collective.

Civic Studio Open House Location: Carl Solway Building ArtWorks Studio, West End Population Reached: ArtWorks Network, Friends and Family of the Civic Studio Artists Description: This open house allowed the public to learn about The Civic Studio’s work related to the New Monuments Initiative. An informative presentation and Q&A session was conducted. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in crafting their own monument and completing surveys. In order to collect data, a graffiti wall asked guests to respond to the following prompts: “Tell us about your community.”, “What’s your favorite Cincinnati memory/moment?”, “What stories deserve to be recognized in your community?”, and “What makes Cincinnati feel like home?” The Civic Studio Open House hosted 45 participants, garnering a total of 26 responses predominantly from ArtWorks’ connections and family members of the Civic Studio Artists. A graffiti wall served as the main creative response platform, collecting 26 responses to monument-centered prompts. Nature is reflected as the leading theme retrieved from responses, followed by Food, Friends and Family, and Marginalized Communities. Another notable trend from this event is a direct correlation between “What stories deserve to be recognized in your community” and mentions of marginalized or under-represented communities. Specific communities mentioned include Asian Americans, immigrants, and those affected by gentrification. Data analysis of responses from the event overall reveals noteworthy interest in natural settings as monumental locations, a connection between food and joy as defining aspects of Cincinnatian identity, and a desire for communal love and support between diverse populations.

Nature: 5 Place: 4 Food: 4 Friends and Family: 3 Marginalized Communities: 3 History: 2 Local Events: 2 Love: 2 Connection/ Togetherness: 2 Diversity: 2 Sports: 1 Music: 1 Immigration: 1 Gentrification: 1 Black History/BLM: 1 Housing/Food Insecurities: 1 Asian American Culture and Heritage: 1 Religion: 1 Support: 1 Acceptance: 1

Top 5 Keywords: People Melting Pot Sun Krohn Conservatory Downtown

“Although this was our third event, the Civic Studio Open House felt like the first event where our team had a good grasp of our plans, kicking off a busy year of community engagement. It was exciting to present on our mission and goals in a full comprehensive slideshow, and then see friends and family participate in the graffiti wall as we started our research journey!” Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Testimony from Civic Studio Artist - Eve Miller 33

Black Culture and Community: 1 Business: 1 Humor: 1 Music: 1 Immigration: 1 History: 2 Marginalized Communities: 2 Animals: 2 Nature: 2 Gentrification: 2 Space: 2 Acceptance: 3 Growth: 3 Friends and Family: 4 Love: 4

Black History/BLM: 5 Memorials: 6 Individuals: 7 Support: 8 Connection/ Togetherness: 9 Places: 10 Art: 1 Top 5 Keywords: Love OTR Sam Dubose Stories Connection

CAC Luis Camnitzer’s Monuments to Unknown Heroes Partner: Contemporary Arts Center Location: Central Business District Population Reached: African American Population and the general public. Description: The Civic Studio created a graffiti wall to collect community data, focusing on stories, people, places, histories, and the meaning of community. The prompts included, “What stories should be recognized in your community?”, “What does community mean to you?”, and “List some people, places, or histories that should be remembered in public spaces.” Attendees were also asked to visually create their own monument. The CAC-hosted exhibition “Luis Camnitzer’s Monuments to Unknown Heroes” engaged 99 participants primarily from the African-American community, however the event was open to the general public. The event’s focus was to amplify underrepresented voices in the conversation surrounding new monuments. Participants were encouraged to express their perspectives through engagement with a graffiti wall, culminating in 61 responses. Analysis of the data reveals prominent trends, with Connection/Togetherness, Support, Memorials for the Dead, and Black History/BLM taking the lead as key takeaways. Additionally, a significant pattern can be observed in overarching event responses and mentions of systemic racial Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet inequality. This event underscored the significance of individual histories in shaping narratives of collective remembrance, especially referencing crucial efforts to memorialize and celebrate the history of underrepresented communities.

“This opportunity allowed us to learn about the life, career, and activism of local artist Robert O’Neil, whose work was also opening at the CAC the night we were there. It gave us the opportunity to learn about local history and make connections with the African American community here.” Testimony from Civic Studio Artist -Aspen Stein

Many cherished memories associated with shared meals and food were explored at the Asian Food Fest. The Civic Studio also heard many responses related to the theme of connection and togetherness. One story that stood out was about a Persian American family. Rooted in a rich history of migration, Persian American culture in Cincinnati is celebrated through its unique blend of traditions, language, and warm hospitality. The individual from this family talked about how, traditionally in their family, a main way of connecting and bringing people together is cooking. “Cooking with [their] grandma and learning her recipes, which were passed down from her grandparents, allows [them] to keep [their] culture alive here in the U.S.” From aromatic saffron-infused rice dishes to succulent kabobs grilled to perfection, Persian American food in Cincinnati tantalizes the taste buds with a harmonious fusion of ancient recipes and local influences, ultimately bringing like people together in shared tradition.-- If a monument were created about food and culture, how might it also invoke a sense of connectedness, the way that sharing a good home cooked meal with family invokes? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Asian Food Fest Partner: Asianati and the 52 Voices Project8 Location: Court Street Plaza, Downtown Cincinnati Population Reached: ArtWorks’ Share the Tea Tent provided a space for sharing lived experiences.The intention behind the design and location of the tent was to provide a quiet environment amidst the bustling street fair, giving participants a comforting space for creative engagement. 52 Voices is an ongoing storytelling project started by photographer James Tecco that seeks to document, preserve, and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives of Asian American and Pacific Islander Americans in Greater Cincinnati. James presented seven stories/voices of the Asian Americans community in Cincinnati, and guests were encouraged to share their own story through prompts related to their family traditions/heritage and then pin it to their neighborhood on a map of Cincinnati. Attendees sampled tea and had the option to complete a page from the NMI Workbook or answer interview questions. These questions included: “How have you seen monuments change in Cincinnati? How do you feel about it?”, “Who do you think creates monuments? What do you think the process looks like?”, “What would you like the process for monument creation to become in the future?”, “Do you feel personally represented by monuments in Cincinnati? Explain why or why not.”, ”Whose voices are most influential in your community (organizations, groups, individuals)? How do those voices impact the community’s identity?”, and “Do you have a personal connection with any monuments in the Cincinnati area? If so, which ones and why?” Guests were then encouraged to share their own story through prompts related to their family traditions and heritage and then pin it to their neighborhood on a map of Cincinnati.

Top 5 Keywords: Asian Japanese History Kindness Chinese Top 5 Favorite Cincinnati Cuisine: Pizza Skyline Boba Noodles Spaghetti Top 5 Keywords: Murals Neighborhood Statues People Batavia

Asian American Culture and Heritage: 9 Food: 7 Family and Friends: 8 Education: 5 History: 5 Diversity: 3 Local Event: 3 Connection/ Togetherness: 4 Tradition: 4 Kindness: 3 Religion: 3 Growth: 2 Love: 2 Individuals: 2 Support: 2 Space: 2 Places: 2 Dance: 1 Acceptance: 2 Politics/Political Action:1 Immigration: 1 Respect: 1 Justice: 1 Music: 2

The Asian Food Fest reached a sizable audience of 541 participants through the implementation of a public tent. The event provided a platform for individuals to articulate their views on monuments within their cultural context, collecting a total of 84 responses. Data analysis highlighted key trends, with a notable emphasis on Asian American Community and Culture, followed by Family and Friends and Education. This event illuminated the intricate connections between cultural identity, social support, and monumental representation with a focus on local Asian American involvement. Responses from this event display a consistent throughline in mentions of support for local Asian American communities, calling attention to business owners, artists and musicians, historical contributions in culture and infrastructure, and cultural celebrations like the Asian Food Fest itself.

52 Voices is an ongoing storytelling project started by photographer James Tecco that seeks to document, preserve, and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) individuals in Greater Cincinnati. 8

At the Asian Food Fest, the Civic Studio learned about Asian-owned small businesses in Cincinnati. Some of these places include Cafe Mochiko, Boba Cha, Chako Bakery Vafe, Dope! Noodles and Dumplings, Haru Korean Restaurant, Le’s Pho and Sandwiches, Quan Hapa, Riverside Korean, and many more.

“Asian Food Fest: Asian Food Fest felt like a breakthrough for the Civic Studio, as it was our largest and most engaged event. Whether visitors were coming in because we caught their eye (or ears) or because they were escaping the rain, we conducted a meaningful engagement through prompts, activities, and conversations over tea. Testimony from Civic Studio Artist - Claire Wagner

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“The Red Cross Resilient Project was such a lively and welcoming experience, with activities, vendors, and resource booths spread across the parking lot. Everyone that I met at this event was so insightful and genuinely passionate about their community’s growth and wellbeing.” Testimony from Civic Studio Artist - Eve Miller

Love: 1 Place: 2 Family and Friends: 2 Art: 1 Nature: 1 Acceptance: 1 Identity: 1 Safety/Comfort: 2 Connection/ Togetherness: 4

Red Cross Resilient Community Project Partner: American Red Cross Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Chapter Location: Evanston Recreation Center, Evanston Population reached: Low income, African American, and general public Description: The Civic Studio brought a graffiti wall to collect data on the impact of housing, health, and hunger and encouraged participants to envision a healthy community. The prompts The Civic Studio included “How has housing, health, or hunger impacted you?”, “What makes you resilient?”, and “If you could create a healthy community, what would it include?” The Civic Studio then provided art supplies and asked them to create a monument that honors resiliency. The Red Cross Resilient Community Project focused on engaging the low-income population, resulting in 61 participants and 26 responses. Data analysis indicated clear trends, with Accessibility, Housing and Food Insecurity, Health, and Support emerging as the top-mentioned themes. This event emphasized the critical importance of accessibility, transportation, and community support networks regarding monument interaction, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by food and housing insecurity. Participants shed light on the inaccessibility of current monuments within Cincinnati, calling attention to constraints such as time, money, transportation, and information.

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Civics Studio

Top 5 Keywords: Healthy Community People Affordable Housing Life Cost

Diversity: 2 Resilience: 3 Health: 5 Support: 5 Youth: 4 Housing/Food Insecurity: 7 Transportation: 3 Accessibility: 10

Holocaust & Humanity Center Upstander Weekend Partner: The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center Location: Cincinnati Union Terminal Museum Center, Queensgate Population reached: General public Description: The Civic Studio utilized a graffiti wall to help us collect data on what people would want to see in new monuments based on what values they hold. The Holocaust and Humanities Center Upstander Weekend is an event celebrating local Upstanders, or benevolent individuals who stand up for what they believe is right. Hosted by the Holocaust and Humanities Center, the Upstanders Weekend engaged 47 participants from the general public. The graffiti wall served as an open-ended platform for individuals to engage in conversations about monuments, reflecting their thoughts through a total of 20 responses. The data analysis revealed Nature, Connection/Togetherness, Justice/Equality, Food, Kindness, and Art/Music as significant monumental interests of participants. Discussion surrounding community identity cited kindness, compassion, and generosity as values participants hold as significant. This event exemplified a multi-faceted interpretation of Cincinnati’s future monumental identity, reflecting diverse interests that may appeal to a wide array of populations.

“For this event, we honed the concept of being an upstander to highlight what it means to Cincinnatians. Being an upstander isn’t just speaking up for others; it is elevating the voices around us, challenging ourselves, and looking out for each other.” Testimony from Civic Studio Artist - Claire Wagner

Accessibility: 1 Transportation: 1 Individual: 1 Education: 1 Women’s Rights, Leadership, and Representation: 1 Motherhood: 1 Resilience: 1 Connection/ Togetherness: 2 Food: 2 Nature: 2 Kindness: 2 Art: 2 Music: 2 Place: 4 Justice/Equality: 2

Top 5 Keywords: People Paint Upstander Climb River

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Queens Village Blossoms and Bloom Partner: Queens Village Location: United Way of Greater Cincinnati Building, Walnut Hills Population reached: African American Women and Mothers Description: Attendees engaged in various crafts and activities. Guests were first asked to respond to the following prompt: “Write a dedication to a monumental woman in your life” and make flowers for an important woman in their life. They also had the chance to respond to graffiti wall questions. This was a two-part event after Mother’s Day, and QV provided food at both events and childcare at the first event. Guests took home their flower bouquet and native wildflower seed packs with seeds donated by OPN Seed. With the mission of uplifting African American women and mothers, the Queens Village Blossoms and Bloom event engaged 25 participants. Activities involving a graffiti wall and an origami flower creation provided a creative avenue for individuals to share their perspectives on what they feel is important to memorialize where a total of 67 responses were collected. This was an alternative version of the graffiti wall where flower cutouts were written/drawn on and stuck to a wall temporarily. Love and Motherhood emerged as dominant themes, highlighting these as meaningful values within this community’s monumental vision. Additionally, Friends and Family and Connection/Togetherness both received pronounced mentions, underscoring the significance of personal connections and community interaction in how participants envision their relationship with monuments. This event emphasizes profound expressions of love and care that exist on a communal level, calling for recognition of motherhood within the Cincinnati monument landscape.

Love: 24 Identity: 1 Acceptance: 7 Space: 3 Motherhood: 22 Black Culture and Community: 5 Connection/ Togetherness: 11 Support: 8 Peace: 1 Art: 3 Growth: 5 Kindness: 2 Respect: 1 Truth/Honesty: 1 Innovation/Technology: 1 Violence: 1 Resilience: 6 Women’s Rights, Leadership, and Representation: 6 Individuals: 2 Housing/ Food Insecurities: 1

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Civics Studio

Tradition: 1 Justice: 1 Safety/Comfort: 1 Education: 2 Friends and Family: 16 Religion: 2 Native American Culture and Heritage: 1

Top 5 Keywords: Mother Love Life Woman Father

At the Civic Studio’s Blossom and Bloom event, attendees were asked about women in their lives. Stories were told with gratitude and discussed what it means to be a strong Black woman and mother in today’s world. Their narratives showcase the diverse ways women impact the lives of their families and communities. From providing support through challenges, to being sources of inspiration, these Black women hold valuable life lessons, and foster communal growth.

“Participating in the arts-based community engagement event centered around women and mothers was an emotionally resonant experience. Through a blend of visual art, conversation, and storytelling, the event provided a poignant space for reflection on the unique and cherished moments shared between mothers and their loved ones. This thoughtful initiative beautifully celebrated the essence of motherhood, building a sense of connection and understanding within our community.”

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Testimony from Civic Studio Artist - Caitlyn Hyland

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At the Spencer Center engagement, the Civic Studio learned that many of the youth in Cincinnati particularly enjoy the BLINK festival that comes to Cincinnati biannually. BLINK is the nation’s largest light, art, and projection mapping experience, bringing transcendent works across all mediums. What makes BLINK so special is that there is truly something for everyone. Whether it be new murals, light projections, or interactive artworks, BLINK makes an immersive and meaningful experience for a diverse and creative community where all are welcome.— How might future monuments employ this spirit of innovation, explore new materials, and consider the ideas of impermanence in their creation?

ArtWorks ArtAmplified Event Festival Partners: ArtWorks’ Mural Studio and Alice OTR Location: Alice in Over the Rhine Population reached: The ArtWorks network including artists, students, the youth, parents, community leaders, project partners, and the general public Description: The Civic Studio’s ArtAmplified engagement focused on activating the Greenhouse areas of Alice. It featured portrait and interview sessions, a paper craft from the Blossom and Bloom event (respond to the prompt: “Write a dedication to a monumental woman in your life” and make flowers for an important woman in their life.), Create your own Monument worksheets (a worksheet where you design what you want to see in future monuments), and a graffiti wall where they could express what values they hold. The ArtWorks’ ArtAmplified Event Fundraiser, directed toward ArtWorks’ existing network but free to the public, engaged 59 participants. Employing a combination of a graffiti wall, portrait conversations, worksheets, and an origami flower activity, the event provided multiple avenues for participants to express their monumental perspectives, successfully collecting 72 responses. Analysis of the data revealed significant trends, with Love, Art, Nature, and Connection/Togetherness taking the lead. This event highlighted participants’ desired influence of artistic and emotional expression in the future of Cincinnati monuments. Discussion of nature and community involvement was prevalent in relation to ideal new monuments, suggesting innovative ways to incorporate public engagement and natural elements in the monument creation process.

Places: 16 Love: 7 Art: 6 Nature: 5 Connection/Togetherness: 5 Health: 2 Black History/BLM: 2 Justice/Equality: 3 Music: 3 Individual: 4 Family and Friends: 4 Support: 4 Diversity: 4 LGBT+ Community and Pride: 2 History: 2 Growth: 2

“It was still really fun to put on! It was cool engaging with people who were primarily artists and had a good sense of how to communicate ideas for the artistic elements of monuments.” Testimony from Civic Studio Artist - Lexi Spurlock

Top 5 Keywords:

Love Diversity Themes Ezzard Charles West End

Art City Jewish Asian Cambodian

Sports: 2 Space: 2 Resilience: 2 Black Culture and Community: 2 Material: 1 Identity: 1 Truth/Honesty: 1 Local Events: 1 Education: 2 Acceptance: 1 Kindness: 2 Youth: 1 Motherhood: 2 Joy: 1

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World Refugee Day Cup Partner: RefugeeConnect Location: Otto Armleder Memorial Park, East End Population reached: Immigrant and Refugee population Description: Families and community members from NKY and greater Cincinnati came together to enjoy various activities and express themselves creatively. Attendees could write, draw, or talk about themselves, their community, and their experiences using pens and markers, where guests could write or draw a response to the prompts, “Create your own Monument’’ and “What are your community’s values?” ArtWorks Civic Studio Artists also sat down with individuals for 10-minute portraits. During these portrait sessions, artists asked guests questions related to what they may already know about monuments and what they would like to see for monuments in the future. The World Refugee Day Cup Engagement aimed to engage the immigrant and refugee population, resulting in 59 participants and 20 responses. The event utilized portrait interviews and worksheets to facilitate meaningful conversations about monumental values within this community. As a result of a large turnout of youth participants, worksheets at this event yielded results indicating an overwhelming interest in Art, specifically the act of conveying ideas through artistic expression. Additional themes mentioned were Immigration, Family and Friends, Politics/Political Action, Nature, and Animals. This event unexpectedly underscored the transformative power of art in expressing the experiences of youth. In regards to the immigrant and refugee participants as a whole, the Interview Analysis section on page (x) provides a more detailed look into participants’ perspectives on monuments.

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Top 5 Keywords: Obama Love Afghanistan Mom Flower Top 5 Keywords: Africa Afghanistan Mind Statues Refugee

Immigration (1) Family and Friends (1) Art (7) Animals (1) Nature (1) Politics/Political Action (1)

“It was heartwarming to see so many people unite through the shared passions of soccer and food at this event. Iliana, a Spanish-speaking navigator from RefugeeConnect, played a crucial role in translating during the event and it was a joy to see her actively involve her family and contribute her skills to the community. Participants enthusiastically represented their countries, with one person even requesting a Civic Studio Artist to draw the Afghanistan flag on their arm.” Testimony from Event Lead - Madison Lentz

Clifton Back to School BASH! Partner: Clifton Recreation Center Location: Clifton Recreation Center Population Reached: Youth population and the general public Description: Attendees participated in graffiti wall activities, created their own monuments through worksheets, and engaged in discussions about their favorite Cincinnati memories, their community values, and their idea of a healthy community. The Clifton Back to School BASH! event, open to the public with an emphasis on the youth population, engaged 206 participants. The event utilized a graffiti wall and create-your-own-monument worksheets to gain monument-centered insight from participants, gathering a total of 75 responses. Upon analysis, responses from this event showed an overwhelming interest in Friends and Family as the leading monumental theme, followed by Love, Nature, and Food. The leading location mentioned by participants in discussion of future monument locations was the Clifton Area Neighborhood School, where many of the participants are students. This event demonstrated the potential for engaging young voices in shaping the narrative surrounding monuments, highlighting the enhanced role that familial and social networks play in the everyday lives of youth. Additionally, a substantial quantity of responses mentioned food as a focal element in conversations of health and joy.

“It was good to see families join each other to get their kids excited and energized about the upcoming school year. Many people were inspired to ask questions and learn more about our work and monuments in general. The closure of the street between the elementary school and the recreation center created the atmosphere of a lively neighborhood block party.” Testimony from Civic Studio Artist - Madison Lentz

Friends and Family: 16 Place: 15 Materials: 15 Love: 5 Nature: 5 Food: 5 Joy: 4 Education: 4 Entertainment: 4 Animals: 5 Health: 3 Peace: 3

Honesty: 3 Sports: 2 Connection/ Togetherness: 1 Local Event: 1 Support: 1 Motherhood: 1 Pop Culture: 1

Top 5 Keywords: Family Parks CANS (Clifton Area Neighborhood School) Friends Zoo Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Cincinnati Pride Partner: Cincinnati Pride Location: Sawyer Point Park, Central Business District Population reached: LGBTQ population. Description: The Civic Studio brought a graffiti wall to collect community data where attendees were encouraged to provide insights on where new monuments should be placed, their identities, monument materials, recognition of deserving entities in the community, and their definitions of monuments. The prompts included: “Where would you like to see a new monument?”, “What about your identity makes you proud?”, “What materials would you like to see a monument made of?”, “Who or what deserves to be recognized in your community?”, and “How would you define a monument?” Prizes were distributed in return for participation. The Civic Studio’s appearance at Cincinnati Pride, focusing on the LGBTQ+ community, garnered substantial engagement with 481 participants and 238 responses. A graffiti wall served as a canvas for participants to share their thoughts on what topics should be reflected in local monuments. The data revealed significant themes to be LGBTQ+ Community and Pride, Love, Black Culture and Community, Women’s Rights and Representation, and Identity. This event highlighted the importance of creating monuments that resonate with the diverse identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as an intersectional interest in representation for other marginalized communities such as women and the African American community. Responses from this engagement embody a joyful sentiment, calling for celebration of diversity and acceptance of those who are different from society’s norms.

Places: 40 LGBT+ Community and Pride: 16 Love: 11 Black Community: 8 Women’s Rights and Representation: 8 Identity: 8 Uniqueness: 5 Education: 5 Support: 5 Health: 4 Nature: 4 Housing/Food Insecurities: 4 Art: 4 Marginalized Communities: 4 Resilience: 5 Joy: 7 History: 4 Diversity: 6 Connection/Togetherness: 6 Animals: 3 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Civics Studio

Politics/Political Activism: 3 Health: 4 Individual: 2 Family and Friends: 2 Black History/BLM: 2 LGBT+ Community and Pride: 16 Kindness: 4 Disabled Community: 2 Safety/Comfort: 2 Religion: 1 Freedom: 1 Materials: 22 Youth: 3 Homelessness: 1 Motherhood: 2 STEM: 1 Business: 1 Accessibility: 1 Acceptance: 4 Truth/Honesty: 4

“We got to learn so much from the LGBT community and experienced many moments of being in community with the people at PRIDE.” Testimony from Civic Studio Artist - Aspen Stein

Top 5 Keywords Love Downtown Plants Women OTR

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From online survey responses and experiences at Cincinnati Pride, the Civic Studio got an overwhelming amount of feedback about how there needs to be more representation of the LGBTQ+ community in the monument landscape in Cincinnati. The Civic Studio specifically heard a lot about POC in the LGBTQ+ community. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s had a profound impact on Cincinnati, as the city grappled with issues of racial inequality and the LGBTQ+ rights movement began to gain momentum. The Stonewall Riots in 1969 marked a turning point for the LGBTQ+ community nationwide, inspiring activism and advocacy. The early to mid-20th century saw challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals across the United States due to widespread discrimination and prejudice. In Cincinnati, as in many other cities, Black LGBTQ+ individuals faced intersectional challenges due to racism and homophobia. Over the decades, LGBTQ+ spaces and organizations began to emerge in Cincinnati. These spaces provided not only social outlets but also platforms for activism and community building. The Black LGBTQ+ community played a vital role in these spaces, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse movement.

At the event with Our Daily Bread, the Civic Studio learned about those facing housing insecurities in Cincinnati. In Cincinnati, homeless youth make up about 10% of the homeless population and 43% of the homeless population is under the age of 25. Of the homeless population in Cincinnati, 60.7% are men, 39% are women, 0.2% are transgender, 66.3% are African American, 29.7% are White, 3% are multi-racial, 0.24% are Indigenous, and 0.15% are Asian. There are multiple different organizations working to end homelessness in Cincinnati including Shelterhouse, Greater Cincinnati’s Coalition for the Homeless, Bethany House Services, and the Barron Center to name a few, but it is clear that not enough is being done. This poses the question— how might Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet a monument serve not only as an acknowledgement of this population but also as a resource?

Our Daily Bread Partner: Our Daily Bread Location: Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen & Social Center, Over the Rhine Population Reached: Homeless and Low-income individuals Description: The Civic Studio collected data on community members’ artistic depictions of community through collage creation. Participants also had the opportunity to create their own monuments through a worksheet. Backpacks filled with various personal care items were given in return for participation. Focusing on the homeless and low-income population, the Our Daily Bread Engagement resulted in 37 participants and 24 responses. Participants took part in creative worksheet activities as a means of contributing their views on important themes to monumentalize in Cincinnati. Data analysis highlighted key trends, with Connection/ Togetherness, Nature, and Food garnering significant mentions. This event underscored interest in community involvement, natural settings, and accessible resources in monument creation, particularly for marginalized communities experiencing housing and food instability. Artwork created by participants of this engagement reflects scenes of unity and communal support, picturing symbols such as rainbows and groups of people as expressions of their monumental values.

“Our Daily Bread was the first event I’ve led. In coordinating with ODB staff throughout the whole process of selecting a date, activities, and photographs, I gained invaluable knowledge on not only leadership but also the power of art-making. Many members of the homeless community sat and drew with us, slowly opening up and even cracking jokes as they got more comfortable; it was one of the most wholesome things I’ve experienced and one of the only times I’ve truly felt connected to the Cincinnati community.” Testimony from Event Lead - Lia MacAskill

Connection/Togetherness: 5 Nature: 4 Food: 4 Animals: 3 Peace: 3 Love: 3 Art: 2 Family and Friends: 2 Religion: 2 History: 2 Resilience: 2 Diversity: 1 Youth: 1 Individuals: 1 Places: 1 Housing/Food Insecurities: 1 Religion/Spirituality: 1 Transportation: 1 Support: 1 Joy: 1

Top 5 Keywords: Life Love Peace Food Neighbors

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Fifth Third Community Day at the Freedom Center Partner: Freedom Center Location: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Downtown Cincinnati Population Reached: General public Description: Attendees were offered the opportunity to participate in a collaborative mosaic by contributing decorated mirrors to a graffiti wall. They were asked to respond to one of the two prompts: “Do you feel personally reflected in Cincinnati monuments?” and “How would you like to see yourself and your community reflected in future Cincinnati monuments?” Additionally, Create your own Monument worksheets were available for collage creation. The Fifth Third Community Day at the Freedom Center, an event open to the public, attracted 66 participants. The event collected 44 responses through a graffiti wall mirror mosaic activity and worksheets, encouraging individuals to share their perspectives on monuments and representation. Analysis revealed Love as the predominant theme, followed by Kindness and Growth. This event emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of positive emotions and progress in the narratives surrounding monuments. This sentiment suggests shifting the current memorial-centric monument landscape into a celebratory light, as participants repeatedly mention love as a factor of how they want their communities to be remembered.

Love: 4 Kindness: 3 Growth: 3 History: 2 Identity: 2 Black Community and Culture: 1 Support: 1 Peace: 1 Youth: 1 Connection/ Togetherness: 1 Transportation: 1 Food: 1 Education: 1 Housing/Food Insecurities: 1 LGBT+ Community and Culture: 1 Diversity: 1 STEM: 1 Pop Culture: 1 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Civics Studio

Top 5 Keywords: Love History Children’s Center Change Team

“When we were planning for this event, I wanted to draw some symbolism between the mosaic mirrors and the prompt of self reflection. It was so cool to see the finished wall complete with everyone’s colorful mirror squares, each adding a little piece of their identity to the wall and, on a bigger scale, to the New Monuments Initiative!” Testimony from Event Lead - Eve Miller

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The Civic Studio thought that it would be important to highlight the importance of Indigenous history and culture in Cincinnati. Although attempts were made to connect with Cincinnati’s Indigenous community, the Civic Studio was unable to connect directly with this population. The history of Native Americans in Cincinnati is deeply rooted in the region’s pre-Columbian past, characterized by the presence of various indigenous cultures. The Ohio River Valley, where Cincinnati is situated, has a rich archaeological record, providing evidence of ancient Native American civilizations. For example, the Adena and Hopewell cultures, dating back to around 1000 BCE to 500 CE, left a lasting impact on the region, as they constructed elaborate earthworks, including burial mounds and geometric enclosures, some of which can still be seen in the outskirts of Cincinnati, such as the Norwood Mound, Little Miami, and the West Side of Cincinnati.

Creative Aging Bayley Retirement Community Partner: Creative Aging Cincinnati Location: Bayley Home Services, Delhi Township Population Reached: Elderly population Description: Community members were asked to bring a picture that represented a meaningful moment from their lives. The Civic Studio transformed rocks into frames for these pictures and collected information by asking them, “What is a moment from your life that you’d want to be remembered?” The Civic Studio also handed out paper leaves posing the prompt “What have you learned in your life that you think is important for future generations to know and embrace?” Then the Civic Studio took a polaroid portrait and added it to the leaves. Finally, the Civic Studio added all the leaves to a tree The Civic Studio built to represent the community.

Hillcrest Elderly Apartments Partner: Creative Aging Cincinnati Location: Hillcrest Elderly, Roselawn Population Reached: Low Income elderly population Description: Similar to the Bayley Retirement Community event, community members brought pictures to represent memorable moments from their lives. The Civic Studio helped them transform rocks into picture frames and collected their insights on a moment from their life they want to be remembered for. The Civic Studio also collected information by asking them, “What have you learned in your life that you think is important for future generations to know and embrace?” Focusing on the elderly population, the Civic Studio partnered with Creative Aging in bringing the New Monuments Initiative to two different retirement communities. Creative Aging works with retirement communities on both membership and scholarship basis, allowing the opportunity to connect with both mid and low income communities. These engagements provided activities including memory sharing through photos and a collaborative community tree sculpture, interacting with 21 individuals who contributed 23 responses. Love, Family and Friends, and Connection/Togetherness arose as predominant themes. This event highlighted the profound importance of preserving and celebrating the experiences of older generations in Cincinnati’s monumental landscape, placing particular emphasis on family and communal love.

Love: 7 Family and Friends: 9 Connection/Togetherness: 5 Kindness: 3 Truth/Honesty: 2 Religion: 3 Joy: 2 Identity: 1 Food: 1 Acceptance: 2 History: 2 Diversity: 2 Support: 1 Politics/Political Action: 1 Black History/BLM: 1 Tradition: 1 Sports: 1

Civics Studio

Top 5 Keywords Family Husband Friends Faith Love

“Attending both Creative Aging events was truly a heartwarming experience! Witnessing the joyous expressions and animated conversations that were sparked by the shared recollections from the elderly communities we engaged with demonstrated the undeniable impact of using the arts as a powerful tool for creating connection and preserving the stories that define us” Testimony from Event Lead - Caitlyn Hyland

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At the Civic Studio’s event with Hillcrest Creative Aging, the Civic Studio heard a number of stories about the stories and people that have left a lasting impact on the elderly community. Don Foldon, resident of Hillcrest, told us about Malcom X. Renowned for his impassioned advocacy for black empowerment and his role as a prominent spokesperson for the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X emerged as a forceful voice against racial injustice. Initially associated with separatist views, he later evolved toward a more inclusive approach, advocating for human rights on an international scale. His legacy endures as a symbol of uncompromising activism and a champion for equality. To Mr. Foldon, Malcolm X was a “man who sparked powerful change and met people from all different parts of the world.” Malcom X gave him “perspective to make a real change.”

Little Amal Partner: Cincinnati Chamber Symphony Orchestra Location: Schmidlapp Event Lawn & Stage, Downtown Cincinnati Population Reached: General public Description: To honor Little Amal, a 9 foot tall puppet of a refugee girl, and her visit to Cincinnati, the Civic Studio created a large paper crown depicting Cincinnati’s nickname (the Queen City). Participants were asked to respond to two prompts, one in the form of a wearable crown for guests and one for the larger Little Amal crown. For the guests’ crowns they were asked to “Create a comic strip or a visual representation of the story of how they came to live in Cincinnati (by birth, family heritage or migration) and include captions with details of how your journey made you feel and your thoughts on Cincinnati”. For Little Amal’s crown they were asked to “Share a monumental fact you think Amal should know about Cincinnati (things that are worth remembering about Cincinnati)”. The Little Amal event, open to the public with a thematic focus on immigrants and refugees, engaged with 47 participants through various crown-making activities. The event provided a creative avenue for individuals to express their perspectives on monuments, resulting in 36 responses. Participants created paper crowns documenting their journey to Cincinnati as well as adding messages to a large crown dedicated to Little Amal, a traveling 9-foot puppet of a refugee girl touring the world in support of refugees across the globe. While adding their responses, participants collaboratively decorated Amal’s crown with paper gems symbolizing facets of Cincinnati’s identity, such as art and cuisine. Data analysis revealed prominent themes to be History, Food, and Entertainment in regards to Cincinnati’s monumental identity. This event demonstrated a diverse array of influences and experiences that contribute to the city’s collective story, exhibiting interests in unique cultural facets of Cincinnati such as cuisine and local history.

Top 5 Keywords: Amal Birthplace Travel Ukraine Bootsy Collins

History: 7 Food: 4 Entertainment: 3 Love: 2 Art: 2 Sports: 2 Connection/ Togetherness: 2 Support: 2 Nature: 2 Immigration: 1 Acceptance: 1 Place: 1 Housing/Food Insecurity: 1 Religion: 1

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Civics Studio

Safety/Comfort: 1 Joy: 1 Diversity: 1 Individual: 1 Music: 1 Black Community and Culture: 1 Health/Mental Health: 1 Dance: 1 Local Event: 1 STEM: 1 Animals: 1 Education: 1 Resilience: 1

“Planning the Civic Studio’s engagement for Little Amal’s visit was by far one of the most exciting parts of this project for me (though the list goes on!). As I had seen the project on social media prior to discovering her visit to Cincinnati, I knew a little about Little Amal and how her visits usually went. She was commonly met with crowds of people to welcome her to the city and presented with a large-scale, oftentimes hand-made gift that carried significance within the city. I knew that this concept lended well for the creative engagement our Civic Studio did, all we needed was a gift idea! Though the idea of pigs came to mind instantly, I wanted to do something that had more of a connection with Cincinnati and its community. The idea for crowns came when I heard she would be walking past the Sing the Queen City sign. Right away I researched the nickname, discovering the rich culture strung throughout Cincinnati’s history. What’s a better way to represent the city than a symbol highlighting the beautiful diversity in culture within our city?” Testimony from Event Lead - Lexi Spurlock

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At the Civic Studio’s partnership with Little Amal, the studio learned about the history of Cincinnati from community members. One fact in particular was Cincinnati’s status as the birthplace of Play Doh. In the year 1933, Cincinnati’s Kutol Products, a soap manufacturer, created a putty-like substance that could take residue off of wallpaper. There ended up being an excess of putty and not enough need, but it was quickly noticed that kids liked to play with the putty, and it had an easy cleanup. The cleaner was repackaged and renamed to Play-Doh!

Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired Partner: Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired Location: Clovernook, North College Hill Population Reached: Disabled/ Visually impaired community Description: At this event, guests were given the opportunity to engage through two different accessible activities. “Tell Us a Story” was an activity in which each guest received a prompt written in braille and then were invited to write a short story or poem. There was also a secondary option of puffy paint drawings for those who chose to respond in a more visual way. These prompts included “How does your disability affect your everyday life?”, “Do you feel personally represented by monuments in Cincinnati? If yes, which ones? If not, explain.”, and “How can future monuments reflect accessibility?” The “ChatGPT Song” was an activity in which The Civic Studio utilized AI to create a song for guests based on their responses to the previous prompts. The Civic Studio used this information and plugged certain words or phrases into ChatGPT and created a personalized song for the group. The studio artists then performed the song. With the intention of uplifting voices from the disabled population, the Clovernook Center for the Blind Engagement involved art-making activities and a writing workshop. This event engaged 9 participants who contributed 10 responses, using puffy paint as a method of touchbased creative expression. Leading themes pulled from responses were Disabled Community and Advocacy, Accessibility, and Transportation. This event highlighted the critical importance of creating monuments that are accessible and inclusive for all members of the community by considering accommodations such as braille, audio descriptions, and accessible transportation in monument creation. Participants emphasized that monuments have untapped potential to be enjoyed by the blind and visually impaired community, displaying interest in the use of technological innovations to relay artistic information through touch and sound.

“Learning about and interacting with the Clovernook community was a transformative event that I will never forget. Organizing the event, I wanted to incorporate tactile elements and interactive activities, ensuring a truly inclusive and accessible environment. This thoughtful approach not only allowed us to appreciate the beauty of art through multiple senses but also underscored the importance of making experiences accessible to all.” Testimony from Event Lead -Caitlyn Hyland

Disabled Community: 10 Accessibility: 8 Transportation: 5 Support: 4 Art: 2 History: 2 Animals: 2 Innovation/Technology: 1 Entertainment: 1 Joy: 1 Resilience: 1 Nature: 1 Individual: 1 Sports: 1 Family and Friends: 1 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Civics Studio

Top 5 Keywords: Transportation Zoo Exhibit Description Light

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At Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Civic Studio heard many personal stories about living with disabilities. For those individuals with disabilities, accessibility can often be an issue in visiting public spaces. For the visually impaired, especially, the lack of braille and other tactile features incorporated into public art prevent them from experiencing monuments. By incorporating accessible design in infrastructure, communication, and technology, barriers can be broken to create environments where everyone can actively participate in public art. Artist Credit: Madison Lentz, Civic Studio Artist

Frederick Douglass Elementary Art Class Partner: Frederick Douglass Elementary School Location: Walnut Hills Population Reached: Youth K-6th grade Description: The Civic Studio served 3 classes. The first class was supplied with clay to visually and physically create their own monument. For the two older classes, The Civic Studio brought “Create your own Monument” worksheets for students to design their very own monument. After all drawings were complete, they were then collaged together onto a paper mache sculpture of a question mark. Engaging members of the youth population grades K-6th, the Frederick Douglass Elementary Art Class engagement resulted in 30 participants. Activities including worksheets and playdough exercises facilitated conversations about monuments among these participants, totalling 39 responses. Significant trends from this engagement include Family and Friends, Nature, and Pop Culture. This event underscored a diverse array of influences that shape the perspectives of youth on monuments, especially through collective experiences like pop culture media and local natural surroundings. Notably, family and social connections were most frequently mentioned as monumental interests, indicating a perceived importance of the everyday people that make up Cincinnati.

Nature: 9 Family and Friends: 9 Pop Culture: 7 Art: 4 Youth: 5 History: 3 Food: 3 Entertainment: 3 Animals: 2 Sports: 2 Education: 2 Safety/Comfort: 2 Connection/ Togetherness: 2 Love: 2 Violence: 1 Peace: 1 Black History/BLM: 1 Diversity: 1 Identity: 1 Kindness: 1 Transportation: 1 Music: 1 Freedom: 1 Resilience: 1 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Civics Studio

Top 5 Keywords: Earth Spiderman Slay Family City

“Spending time to create art and see the different learning styles of the kids at Frederick Douglass Elementary was an eye-opening experience. Most everyone joined in for discussion around monuments and what they’d like to see -- their answers certainly weren’t lacking in creativity or imagination, and served as inspiration for furthering the proposal.” Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Testimony from Civic Studio Artist - Lia MacAskill 59

Girls Rock Cincy Partners: Girls Rock & Wordplay Cincy Location: WordPlay Cincy Building, Northside Population reached: LGBTQ population Description: Campers engaged in charm making activities, reflecting on monuments within the queer youth community. They created backpack charms and considered how social justice could influence monuments in the future. The charms activity allowed campers to create their ideal monument using colorful paper to respond to each prompt which included: “What do you value and why does it matter to you?”, “What people or stories would you like to see remembered and celebrated in your community?”, and “What’s your favorite song that speaks to your values? How do you relate to it and why?” With the goal of amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ youth, the Civic Studio partnered with Girls Rock Cincy in engaging 25 participants. A graffiti wall and bead-making activity provided a creative outlet for participants to share their perspectives on monumental themes, totaling 54 creative responses. Music emerged as the top theme, followed by Family and Friends, Support, and Connection/Togetherness. This event suggested relationships between music and community as an avenue for amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ youth in monument spaces, using creation and performance as an outlet for emotional expression and communication. When asked what stories deserve to be memorialized in their communities, participants emphasized a desire for diversity and LGBTQ+ representation to be implemented in the future of Cincinnati monuments.

“Girls Rock Cincy was my first event and was a total success. The unique creativity and responses from our youth was truly inspiring.” Testimony from Event Lead - Niya Steagall

Music: 15 Family and Friends: 5 Connection/Togetherness: 4 Support: 4 Joy: 3 Pop Culture: 3 Diversity: 3 LGBT+ Community and Culture: 4 Marginalized Communities: 3 Art: 2 Identity: 2 Truth/Honesty: 2 Kindness: 2

Top 5 Keywords People Love Taylor Swift Family Song

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Civics Studio

Resilience: 2 Respect: 2 History: 2 Individuals: 2 Women’s Rights, Leadership, and Representation: 2 Nature: 2 Justice/Equality: 2 Growth: 1 Politics/Political Action: 1 Asian American Community and Culture: 1 Black History/BLM: 2 Health: 1

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At the Girls Rock event, the Civic Studio learned that family, friends, and community helps youth “find themselves”. Valuing these relationships contributes to emotional support, a sense of belonging, shared experiences, and a network of individuals who play a vital role in shaping their identity and supporting them throughout life’s journey. For youth to have a community that accepts and values them, they are encouraged to lead lives of authenticity and unique self-expression.

Queen of the Hills Festival Partner: HER Cincinnati Location: Outside of ArtWorks V2 Gallery, Walnut Hills Population Reached: Walnut Hills neighborhood and the general public Description: The Queen of the Hills Street Festival featured The Civic Studio’s traveling graffiti wall. The prompts included, “What stories deserve to be recognized in your community?”, “What are your community’s values?”, “What’s your favorite Cincinnati memory?”, and “Where would you like to see a new monument?” The Civic Studio engaged with 107 participants at the Walnut Hills Queen of the Hills Street Festival through the implementation of a graffiti wall, serving as a platform for expression surrounding monumental topics. Analysis of the 97 responses revealed Entertainment, Memorials for the Dead, Black History/BLM, and Connection/Togetherness as the most mentioned themes. Notably, Kings Island emerged as the most frequently mentioned place, indicating participants’ interest in recreational and entertainment spaces in relation to monuments. This event emphasized the importance of recognizing systemic racism and those who fight against it in monumental representation, specifically calling attention to the Black Lives Matter movement and victims of police brutality. Black Lives Matter movement and victims of police brutality.

“It was wonderful servicing all the community members of Walnut Hills, young and old. I like to think I helped many individuals feel seen and that their opinions and values mattered.” Testimony from Event Lead - Niya Steagall

Places: 15 Entertainment: 7 Individuals: 9 Materials: 13 Memorial: 5 Black History/ BLM: 5 Connection/ Togetherness: 5 Joy: 3 Religion: 2 Politics/Political Action: 2 Sports: 2 Education: 3 Resilience: 2 Family and Friends: 4 Truth/Honesty: 4 Love: 4

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Civics Studio

Art: 3 Food: 3 Diversity: 4 Health/Mental Health: 2 Support: 2 Justice/Equality: 2 Growth: 1 Youth: 1 Peace: 1 Black Community and Culture: 1 Motherhood: 1 Women’s Rights, Leadership, and Representation: 1 Business: 1 Place: 7 Tradition: 2 Transportation: 1

Acceptance: 2 Safety/Comfort: 2 Kindness: 1 Top 5 Keywords: George Floyd Kings Island Love Eden Park Walnut Hills

Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati Presentation Partner: Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati Location: Barn Clubhouse, Mariemont Population Reached: Women, mothers, and elderly women Description: This event aimed to familiarize the public with The Civic Studio’s work on the New Monuments Initiative. Surveys were conducted to collect data. This event served 36 people.

Wet Paint Presentation Location: 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati, Central Business District Population Reached: ArtWorks’ network including artists, students, youth, parents, community leaders, project partners, and the general public Description: This event offered a look behind the scenes of the organization’s upcoming projects, centering on the artists who make our city vibrant. The Civic Studio presented on the New Monuments Initiative, providing an overview of its mission, process, monument statistics, timelines, and goals. The presentation reached 75 individuals. At both the Women’s Art Club of Cincinnati and the Wet Paint presentation, the Civic studio presented on the work being done during the year to understand the current and future state of monuments. At both of these events, attendees were given the opportunity to provide their insight by responding to a survey. Because only survey data was collected at these events, this information will be discussed in the survey data section of this report.

At various events, online, and at designated pick up locations, community members had the opportunity to provide us feedback in the form of creative workbook responses. One question posed in our workbooks was: “Tell us an untold or little known story that defines your community”. In response to that prompt at their Open House event, the Civic Studio learned about the three Cincinnati whales. On June 7, 1877, A.A. Stewart, a salesman for the Aetna Life Insurance Co. in Cincinnati, purchased a white whale from the New York Aquarium for $10,000. The whale died on June 23 en route to Cincinnati, and its death was due to lack of food and insufficient water in the tank. The attendant believed the whale could be kept alive for 48 hours in a mere six inches of water and a bed of wet grass. The second whale, a female beluga, arrived by train on June 25. The whale died three days later, and an autopsy performed by Dr. W.H. Mussey indicated that she had suffered injury during transportation and contusions from striking her head against the tank. However, like the first whale, her stomach was empty, and she died of starvation. Undeterred, Stewart sent for the third and last whale, which arrived on July 1. More than 25,000 onlookers came to see her over the next few days, but a thunderstorm erupted on the night of July 5, frightening the whale. The next morning, her keeper, Mr. Harper, found her thrashing about in a tank and dove in fully dressed, rubbing the slime off the dying creature. She settled down and swam for a bit, but then sank to the bottom of the tank and died. When Stewart arrived, he ordered her stomach opened, and it contained two quarts of small round stones, a small stick, and the bottom of a glass beer tumbler.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet Artist Credit: Caitlyn Hyland, Civic Studio Artist

Survey Data The following analysis includes responses from the Online Survey, Paper Survey, and Workbook. Do you engage in Cincinnati’s public art?

very familiar

not familiar

No: 119

somewhat familiar

Yes: 488

On a scale from 1-5, how familiar are you with monuments in Cincinnati? What aspects of monuments are meaningful to you? Relatability 134 Interactivity 157

Lack of women Lack of racial diversity

Historical Significance 289

Accessibility 159

No: 247

Plaques 220

Physical Space 181 Representation of Diversity 220

Location 203

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Why not? Top 5 Responses:

Aesthetics 201

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation

Yes: 320

Lack of religious, ethnic, or other cultural representation Combination of two or more of these things from an intersectional perspective.

Do you personally feel represented by monuments in Cincinnati?

353

311

258

254

250

242

Murals

Sculptures

Statues

Interactive Exhibits

Fountains

Garden Art

Museums

Music/ Performance Art

Graffiti

What type of public art do you like?

What level of permanence would you like to see in a monument? Permanent (Bronze, Stone, etc.)

440

Semi-Permanent (Glass, Murals, etc.)

Temporary (Paper, Chalk, Plants, etc.)

Digital (Audio, Web, Augmented Reality, etc.)

371

224

221

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survey data (cont.)... Where in Cincinnati would you like to see a new monument? The survey responses illustrate a broad spectrum of preferences regarding monument locations, indicating a strong inclination towards enhanced geographic distribution and accessibility throughout Cincinnati. Specific mentions encompass diverse areas including parks, cultural hubs, and neighborhoods, reflecting a desire for monuments to resonate both in central locations and within the fabric of local communities. This collective sentiment suggests a call for a widespread presence of monuments, establishing accessibility and representation across all of Cincinnati.

What stories from your community deserve memorialization? The survey findings underscore a prevalent emphasis on diverse themes within monuments, with a focus on artistic expression alongside representation of pivotal events and individuals. Respondents advocate for a more inclusive approach, seeking monuments that authentically represent the diverse tapestry of communities and histories within Cincinnati. This sentiment is echoed in the recognition of a myriad of identities—ranging across races, genders, and ethnicities—highlighting the community’s multifaceted composition. This underlying theme emphasizes the significance of inclusive representation within monuments, aligning with the community’s diverse makeup. Moreover, there’s a clear call for monuments to honor influential local figures—be they leaders, organizations, or historical figures—who have made substantial contributions to the community, transcending the confines of national acclaim to celebrate those deeply influential in the city’s narrative.

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Civics Studio

2023 NMI REPORT

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet Artist credit: Martina, Event Attendee

Interviews Due to the complex conversational nature of data collected through interviews, analysis for interview responses has been conducted separately from analysis of arts-based responses collected at events. Interviews were conducted through Portrait Conversations at Monumental Conversations, ArtAmplified Spring Fundraiser, and World Refugee Day Cup, as well as through Tea Conversations at Asian Food Fest. Participants answered a variety of questions focusing on their knowledge of monuments, their communities, and Cincinnati as a whole. Upon collection of responses, key themes emerged to provide insight on the collective monumental vision of interviewees. Mentions of Immigration took the lead as a major theme, followed by Asian American Culture and Heritage, LGBTQ+ Community and Pride, and Religion. In comparison to arts-based and survey responses, interview data displayed a strong trend in discussions of advocacy and activism in relation to monumental representation. Participants see public art as a collaborative endeavor involving various community voices, believing that art has the capability to inspire positive change by reflecting the city’s diversity and community dynamics. When discussing possible locations of new Cincinnati monuments, responses indicate a strong preference toward parks and green spaces as future monument destinations. The top place mentioned was Washington Park, followed by Eden Park. These insights elucidate a collective aspiration for monuments to not only reflect diverse histories and communities, but also serve as catalysts for greater community interaction and connectivity within Cincinnati’s evolving landscape. The Civic Studio provided a comprehensive platform for the diverse communities of Cincinnati to actively engage in the discourse surrounding new monuments. Through various creative methods, participants from different demographic backgrounds expressed their unique perspectives and preferences for the future of Cincinnati monuments. Key themes emerged, highlighting the diverse nature of desired monumental topics within the Cincinnati community. These insights serve as valuable contributions to the ongoing dialogue about the creation of meaningful and inclusive monuments and can serve as an unparalleled local resource for those directly involved in the monument creation process. Together, the people of Cincinnati have built a framework to ensure that the future of local monuments has the opportunity to flourish into an accurate representation of their collective voice.

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Immigration: 16 Asian American Community and Culture: 10 LGBTQ+ Community and Culture: 10 Religion: 8 Love: 6 Youth: 6 History: 4 Hispanic Culture and Community: 4 Native American Culture and Community: 3 Joy: 2 Peace: 2 Memorials: 2 Black Culture and Community: 2

2023 NMI REPORT

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Artist Credit: Matthew McFee, Event Attendee

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Key Findings

2023 NMI REPORT

Observation of the data overall uncovers patterns that can be identified and utilized in activating future commemorative spaces within the city. The following graphics act as a visual summary encompassing the complete research of the New Monuments Initiative, intending to serve as a guiding force behind the ideation, creation, and activation process of new monuments within the Cincinnati locale.

THEMES MENTIONED FROM MOST TO LEAST: 1

157 72 104 68 102 63 6

LOVE

NATURE

PLACES

ART

CONNECTION/ TOGETHERNESS

FOOD

98 59 86 54 9

MUSIC

SUPPORT

FAMILY + FRIENDS

HISTORY

DIVERSITY: 53 INDIVIDUALS: 51 RESILIENCE: 50 EDUCATION: 35 ACCEPTANCE: 35 ANIMALS: 34 ENTERTAINMENT: 34 IDENTITY: 34 JOY: 33 RELIGION: 33 LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY AND CULTURE: 32 KINDNESS: 31 MOTHERHOOD: 31 BLACK HISTORY/BLM: 31 WOMEN’S RIGHTS, LEADERSHIP, AND REPRESENTATION: 27 YOUTH: 27 BLACK CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: 25 ASIAN AMERICAN CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: 24 MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: 22 GROWTH: 22 SPORTS: 22 IMMIGRATION: 21 TRUTH/HONESTY: 20 LOCAL EVENT: 19 HOUSING/FOOD INSECURITIES: 19 WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND REPRESENTATION: 19 DISABLED COMMUNITY: 16 POP CULTURE: 16 JUSTICE: 15 POLITICS/POLITICAL ACTION: 15 SAFETY/COMFORT: 13 MEMORIAL: 14 PEACE: 14 ACCESSIBILITY: 12 RESPECT: 11 POLITICS: 7 STEM: 7 NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: 5 INNOVATION/TECHNOLOGY: 5 HUMOR: 5 HISPANIC CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: 4 GENTRIFICATION: 4 FREEDOM: 3 DANCE: 3 BUSINESS: 3 VIOLENCE: 3 HOMELESSNESS: 2

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key findings (cont...)

Exploration of Cincinnati’s Top 5 Themes: Cincinnati’s top five monumental themes pulled from community engagement results—Love, Connection/Togetherness, Support, Family and Friends, and Nature—paint a vivid portrait of the city’s values and identity. Love, the highest ranking monumental sentiment, signifies a culture deeply rooted in compassion and empathy. A strong presence of communal togetherness highlights the city’s inclination toward unity and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and collective strength. Cincinnati’s commitment to supporting one another fosters a growing culture of cooperation and encouragement on both individual and systemic levels, addressing overarching patterns of inequality with small-scale acts of care and generosity. Deep appreciation for family and friends underscores the significance of interpersonal relationships, illustrating the city’s emphasis on social bonds while building Cincinnati into a hub of tight knit communities. Nature, amidst an urban landscape, encapsulates Cincinnati’s reverence for the environment, seeking harmony between city life and the local natural landscape. To create new monuments that better represent and celebrate the city’s people, these abstract ideas could be manifested through diverse representation in public art, showcasing individuals from various backgrounds and experiences. Collaborative art projects involving the community could depict scenes of unity and support, celebrating the city’s diversity and fostering a sense of belonging. Sculptures or installations incorporating Ohio-specific natural elements could highlight the interconnectedness between the urban and natural landscapes, symbolizing Cincinnati’s commitment to environmental stewardship and our place in the greater natural world. Ultimately, by weaving these themes into the fabric of new monuments, Cincinnati can craft a narrative that truly honors its people and values, reflecting a celebratory lens that current monuments could improve upon.

TOP 10 MENTIONED KEYWORDS:

69 59 LOVE

X’s

PEOPLE

X’s

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TOP 10 MENTIONED PLACES:

DOWNTOWN: 30 TIMES OHIO RIVER: 23 TIMES XAVIER: 19 TIMES UC: 17 TIMES WASHINGTON PARK: 15 TIMES CLIFTON: 11 TIMES KINGS ISLAND: 8 TIMES CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM: 7 TIMES OTR: 7 TIMES KROGER: 6 TIMES TOP 5 MENTIONED INDIVIDUALS 9

TOP 5 MENTIONED MATERIALS

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3. ART: 54X 4. FRIENDS: 24X 5. OHIO: 22X 6. ASIAN: 19X 7. PARKS: 15X 8. SCHOOL: 13X 9. FLOWERS: 12X Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet 10. TREES: 9X

Cre fro ated m the by P No edro un Pro Pau jec lo H t a

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Glass: 18 times

Metal: 9 times Created by Angriawan Ditya Zulkarnain from the Noun Project

Plants/Nature/ Garden Art: 13 times Created by Kalinin Ilya from the Noun Project

Stone: 13 times Created by Vector Portal from the Noun Project

Created by Yorlmar Campos Created by Yorlmar Campos Created by Yorlmar Campos from the Noun Project from the Noun Project from the Noun Project

Recycled Materials: 9 times

Short bios of each of these individuals have been included in the glossary of this text

key findings (cont...)

Total Response Results What makes Cincinnati feel like home? Responses portray what makes Cincinnati a beloved home for its residents, exhibiting an undercurrent of community and diversity throughout numerous narratives. The city’s historical interest shines through stories of civil rights triumphs, reflecting a collective pride in the journey toward progress while spotlighting neighborhoods like Evanston as hubs of growing connectivity. Additionally, Cincinnati’s historic art and cultural expressions establish a thriving creative landscape within the community. Life of the city emerges through references to lively parades and community events. Anchoring the many responses is the commitment to inclusivity and social justice, visible in both mentions of historical milestones and fierce love for participants’ various communities, encapsulating the essence of a city united in its embrace of all.

What is your favorite Cincinnati memory/moment? According to participant responses, their most cherished Cincinnati memories reside in the presence of community moments, particularly local events, festivals, and parades that take place in the city streets. Events including BLINK, Taste of Cincinnati, Northside Parade, Oktoberfest, and smaller local festivals were the most frequently mentioned items highlighted in responses when discussing a favorite memory. Another significant characteristic of participants’ favorite moments is the presence of live music, celebrating a collective love for creative expression and community enrichment through diverse styles and preferences. Additionally, responses display an inclination toward sports-related events as integral Cincinnati experiences, encouraging relationships between community, entertainment, and identity. These collective sentiments reflect the vibrant spirit of Cincinnati, intertwining community bonds with public celebrations and diverse expressions of creativity. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

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What is your favorite Cincinnati cuisine? The favorite Cincinnati cuisine among participants mirrors the city’s vibrant culinary mosaic, showcasing a spectrum of preferences. Amidst this array, Cincinnati-specific delights like the beloved Skyline Chili stand out as defining elements, cementing the city’s unique culinary identity. Interestingly, generational nuances influence these preferences, with younger individuals often gravitating toward contemporary or fusion dishes. Furthermore, the intertwining of community events and cuisine becomes evident, with participants frequently reminiscing about dishes encountered in these communal settings, underscoring a connection between community experiences and culinary culture within Cincinnati.

What type of public art do you like? The study showcases a rich and multifaceted spectrum of preferences when discussing public art, encapsulating various artistic forms and styles. Street art and murals shine as leading favorites among participants, revered for their embodiment of community spirit and stylistic diversity. Special appreciation for the storytelling potential and decorative impact characteristic of murals is particularly evident in frequent discussion of Cincinnati’s mural gallery. Graffiti, celebrated for its open expression, is observed in responses in context of adding to the city’s artistic flair and embracing diverse forms of creativity. Ephemeral, contemporary, and interactive art forms resonate deeply with participants, reflecting an inclination towards creative efforts that incorporate community engagement and evolve with audience interaction. Responses display a prevailing call for inclusivity in public art, exemplified by mentions of the BLM mural and accessibility issues in monument interaction. In discussion of historical and cultural representations, there’s a strong reverence for art that memorializes local stories, such as the Owl’s Nest Pavilion, or pays homage to the original inhabitants of neighborhoods like Clifton or OTR, demonstrating a desire to honor and preserve the city’s historical fabric. Valuing personal and local stories, alongside the importance of visibility and accessibility, shapes Cincinnati’s vision for public art, while also embracing iconic elements that symbolize the city’s essence and resonate with its people. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Do you feel represented by Cincinnati monuments? A prevalent sentiment reflected in participant responses revolves around the inadequacy of existing monuments in authentically representing Cincinnati’s diverse community. There is a continuous call for more inclusive representation across all data sources, particularly from minority and underrepresented groups whose narratives remain restricted within the current monument landscape. The consensus emerges from a perceived lack of diversity in these structures, which predominantly honor historical figures of a certain demographic, failing to reflect the broader racial, cultural, and gender diversity present within the community. While acknowledging the historical significance of these monuments, participants express a collective sense of incompleteness, feeling that these structures fall short in encapsulating the depth of the city’s multifaceted history and leaving many stories untold and underrepresented.

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Artist Credit: Jared McFee, Event Attendee

How would you like to see yourself and your community reflected in future Cincinnati monuments? Participants’ vision for future Cincinnati monuments is deeply rooted in inclusivity, sharing a collective aspiration for a broader representation of diverse communities encompassing various races, cultures, genders, and ages. Embracing modern themes and subjects emerges as a focal point, with suggestions centered on commemorating contemporary issues like civil rights advancements, cultural contributions, and the recognition of local community heroes who have shaped the city’s narrative. Participants envision monuments that transcend symbolism, aspiring for interactive and educational elements that engage and enlighten the community. Ultimately, an emphasis on artistic expression stands out, with a collective desire to incorporate diverse styles and materials within future monument designs.

Are there any barriers preventing you from visiting monuments? The insights garnered from surveys, interviews, and activities unveil a spectrum of barriers hindering visits to monuments within Cincinnati. Among these, disability-related challenges emerge as a notable concern, pointing to issues surrounding physical accessibility such as location, lack of accommodation, and transportation issues. Security apprehensions also surface as a factor, discussing worries regarding safety and security at monument sites. Additionally, the physical exertion required to access certain monuments stands as a barrier mentioned multiple times, emphasizing the need for improved accessibility. Parking inconveniences, a concern mentioned frequently, display the significance of convenient and affordable parking arrangements for increased monument visitation. Furthermore, time constraints stemming from commitments like school or work emerge as limiting factors, echoed extensively among respondents. Yet the most prevalent barrier is indifference or lack of knowledge, signifying a substantial proportion of individuals either lack interest or awareness about monuments. These multifaceted barriers collectively impact visitation, necessitating comprehensive strategies to enhance accessibility, address security concerns, and generate greater awareness and interest for monuments within the community. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet 77

Limitations As with any comprehensive report, there are study limitations such as sample size, collection methods, participant access, and time constraints. The Civic Studio’s work has covered a tremendous amount of data in the efforts to unearth the essence of community values and prevailing trends yet acknowledge the complex nature of the team’s endeavors. In the spirit of transparency, any potential limitations encountered along the way are openly acknowledged and outlined here to provide a clearer understanding of the study results. Just as humans are forever learning and growing, the team and its knowledge have evolved throughout the course of this project. The data was collected and processed by a group of individuals whose different backgrounds and perspectives may change how each one has connected with the public and interpreted community feedback. All individuals have conscious and unconscious biases that can impact judgments, decisions, and behaviors (Implicit bias 2022). In efforts to combat these biases, the Civic Studio Artists visited the University of Cincinnati’s Center for Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation10, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center, and participated in professional training facilitated by local nonprofits Cohear11 and RefugeeConnect12. These learning opportunities gave each Civic Studio Artist best practices for community engagement and how to move through public spaces in a manner that reflects cultural competency and understanding. Throughout this process, another acknowledged limitation was that the Civic Studio was the first year-round studio dedicated to in-depth community engagement. ArtWorks conducts place-based community engagement in the neighborhoods where their murals are located, but there is no pre-established model for community engagement at a city-wide scale. Because this type of work is new to ArtWorks and there are limited existing comparison points within the field, the team invested a considerable amount of time in the initial stages of the project to establish and refine processes for community engagement. These various trials and errors were necessary to improve the Civic Studio’s data collection methodology. Another limitation that presented itself was time constraints in the number of hours dedicated to the project. Ten Civic Studio Artists were contracted to work 12 hours a week along with one Civic Artist-In-Residence contracted to work 25 hours a week. This project started in December 2022 and concluded in December 2023. Over the past year, the team worked diligently to connect with community partners, organize events, log participant responses, publish a monument audit online, analyze data, and write this report. Emphasizing thoughtful and conscientious execution of the work also exacerbated the impact of the time constraints. Moreover, internal staffing changes within ArtWorks’ marketing and communications department caused delays in spreading the word about the initiative and its online presence through the ArtWorks website and social media. In addition to the community engagement component of the initiative, the data collection and analysis for the Cincinnati Monument Audit faced its own set of limitations. The Civic Studio has done its best to capture monuments from all 52 neighborhoods in Cincinnati, yet there is a possibility that certain monuments remain undocumented because of their hidden nature or due to the timeframe in which the neighborhood was explored and the erection of new monuments. This is to say, the compiled list may not be exhaustive of all of Cincinnati’s monuments, considering these obscured monuments and the potential creation of new monuments post-report publication. Each monument included in the audit consists of specific data points inspired by Monument Lab’s National Monument Audit categorizations. While certain data points, like addresses and descriptions, are more straightforward, assignments of related keywords and tags are more subjective, and therefore susceptible to influence from unconscious biases of the Civic Studio. Efforts have been made to navigate and address these complexities transparently by peer reviewing the data for consistency and accuracy. A full and complete copy of the monument audit is available online for reference or review.

The Center for Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation uses research, learning, and action to provide space for healing the harm caused by the matrices of oppression. They gave the Civic Studio a general orientation into the concepts of structural injustice and the tools to address it. 11 Cohear combines outreach and facilitation, bringing decision-makers and everyday experts together to develop meaningful solutions to difficult problems. They came to the Civic Studio and gave a presentation and Q&A session on best practices for community engagement. 10

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One of Civic Studio’s initial goals was to engage over 10,000 individuals through 14 creative engagement events, online surveys, and paper surveys. This goal was set based on previous ArtWorks survey results, but since the nature of this work is unlike previous undertakings, it required a different approach. There was an early strategic shift from a concentration on Cincinnati neighborhoods to a mindful focus on marginalized communities and the organizations that serve them. This deliberate choice adjusted the goals for participation, focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of aiming for a high number of participants, the Civic Studio decided to attend nine more events than the original goal of 14, with some of the events serving smaller but more diverse groups of individuals. There was also an increased demand and opportunities to connect with various communities throughout the year that brought the initiative to 23 community events. This expansion in engagements was a positive outcome, as it allowed the group to hear from a more diverse population sample. However, by increasing the number of planned engagements the team attended, the available time to process and analyze the data collected decreased. By providing a summary of participant feedback, the Civic Studio hopes to recognize untold stories that provide insight into Cincinnati’s diverse populations. Throughout the course of 2023, the Civic Studio prioritized intentional engagements focused on historically marginalized communities, acknowledging that this is a difficult task given that their voices have often been intentionally left out of the mainstream narrative. The specific demographics the Civic Studio set out to engage with included Women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Disabled, Elderly, Immigrant, Low-income, Youth, and Indigenous populations. Each demographic population was engaged in at least one community engagement event, with the exception of the Indigenous population. Unfortunately, it was not possible to connect a substantial number of people from the Indigenous Native American population in Cincinnati. The Civic Studio has subsequently attempted to fill this gap in research with a spotlight on what they see as a significant story and history of Indigenous people within the region. The Civic Studio acknowledges that they do not have the authority or awareness of the rich and complex histories of the Indigenous community to state what should be deemed “significant”. We encourage readers of this report to continue to delve into research and knowledge expansion of the history of the Native American community in Cincinnati. Community partners were a vital asset in helping the Civic Studio connect with networks of people who may have been reluctant or had limited capacity to share their stories outside of their own community. While the objective has been to establish safe spaces for open dialogue and conversation at all events, articulating personal experiences to strangers may still pose a challenge for individuals. Furthermore, the human condition of trying to make sense of life as it unfolds can complicate how people portray their thoughts through words or pictures. Likewise, participants’ prior knowledge or perception of monuments and their availability of time, may have limited their ability to reflect and bridge the gap between their experiences and representation of those experiences in the broader narrative of Cincinnati.

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Artist Credit: Madison Lentz, Civic Studio Artist

RefugeeConnect connects refugees (people forced to flee their country to escape persecution or war) with resources to rebuild their lives as United States citizens. They visited the studio with 3 of their community navigators and explained the processes that immigrants have to go through to come to another country and how asylum works. 12

Conclusion This final report intends to serve as a comprehensive guideline to new monument creation, illuminating the collective aspirations of a populace motivated to witness their stories etched into Cincinnati’s commemorative landscape. The cumulative research of the New Monuments Initiative reveals the public’s preferences regarding themes, stories, aesthetics, accessibility, and placement of future monuments. Elements The Civic Studio’s research discovered a striking aspiration for creative innovation and audience interaction within monument design, reflecting a desire for fresh artistic and social qualities while welcoming expansion of traditional forms. Participants discuss a persistent vision of incorporating natural elements in monument creation, requesting the presence of water, trees, flowers, and even landscape art in the future of Cincinnati monuments.The materials desired for future monuments, ranging from glass and stone to recycled materials, reflect a call for ecological mindfulness and aesthetic variety in construction. Themes Conceptually, responses reflect a throughline rooted in love, unity, and celebration. The people of the city spoke of new monuments that memorialize histories of communal love, resilience, and Cincinnati’s cultural web between families, communities, and nature itself. Innovation It’s a call for monuments not confined to pedestals but woven seamlessly into the fabric of daily life—blooming in parks, enlivening local events, and standing in the heart of every neighborhood. With this prevailing call for inclusivity and innovation, a new vision emerges—one where monuments transcend the traditional, beckoning artists and creators to infuse innovation, interactivity, and contemporary materials in nurturing a space for expressive memorialization to flourish. Unique stories Yet, beneath these earnest requests lies a serious discussion, urging for monumental representation that mirrors the truly diverse mosaic of Cincinnati’s history and communities. A call for monuments reflective of Black history, the LGBTQ+ community, narratives of immigrants, and the contributions of women stands tall, challenging the predominant narratives of statues that fall short in representing marginalized populations. Proposed topics for future monuments, include: Black Lives Matter Cincinnati ties to the Underground Railroad The untold stories of the Ohio Tuskegee Airmen who contributed to the integration of the armed services and in Cincinnati have been a symbol of strength in unity, The contributions of immigrants in building Cincinnati’s culture and infrastructure Celebrations of motherhood These topics emphasize a desire for multifaceted and diverse representation across all of Cincinnati.

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Accessibility Finally, the resounding need for enhanced accessibility through improved transportation, disability accommodations, and informative resources highlights a critical demand for equitable access to these future monuments. Elements such as ramps, braille, audio descriptions, free bus initiatives, and even the production of monument-focused informative content such as pamphlets, guides, and web articles can drastically improve the accessibility of monuments and increase the likelihood of positive visitation experiences. This report invites readers to reflect on their place in Cincinnati’s current monument landscape and encourages them to contribute to the evolution of this landscape through the creation of new monuments. It serves as a guide, emphasizing the incorporation of information into the conception, development, and activation of new monuments. The aim is to ensure that future commemorative spaces authentically embody the diverse narratives and collective identity of the city.

Cincinnati deserves monuments that resonate with every community, that tell stories previously overlooked, and that reflect the true tapestry of our shared history. - Asha White, Civic Artist in Residence Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

A CALL TO ACTION

What’s Next Your Action Matters. Here’s How You Can Shape the Future The next phase of the New Monuments Initiative begins with monument creation and activation. We anticipate this phase to begin in 2025, utilizing this report to garner community, government and funding support to create new monument(s). Upon the securement of funding support, a call to artists will be released to the public. We invite you to take a deeper look into the meaning of the monuments around you. YOU can enact change and give meaning to new monuments. For Art and Public Art and History Enthusiasts: 1. Contact your city officials: Advocate for the realization of new monuments that authentically represent Cincinnati’s rich history and diverse communities. 2. Attend city council meetings. Your presence and passion will reinforce the importance of this transformative project 3. Donate to the Cause: Contribute to ArtWorks and continue the work of impactful communitybased public art by visiting www.artworkscincinnati.org/donate/. If you would like to support the continuation of New Monuments, please contact ArtWorks Director of Development Dominique Khoury at dominique@artworkscincinnati.org 4. Amplify the Message: Share this research with friends and family. Your advocacy empowers ArtWorks and the Civic Studio to broaden the reach of their impactful work. For Artists: Ignite Creativity 1. Dive into the data presented in this report. Ideate on monuments that capture the essence of Cincinnati’s diverse stories. When reflecting on this report consider whom the community would like to see honored, what values do Cincinnatians hold dear, and what materials might reflect the communities vision for new monuments? 2. Looking for additional resources?: Explore the books Neighborhood Playbook by Kevin Wright and Joe Nickol and Consensus Organizing: A Community Development Workbook by Mary L. Ohmer and Karen DeMasi. These books offer invaluable insights into community engagement, providing practical strategies for activating spaces in your neighborhood, and comprehensive guidance on consensus organizing to strengthen your connections with the community and enhance the impact of your artistic endeavors.

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3. Create! Make your own map, models, sketches or maquettes. Utilize this report to imagine monuments that could redefine public spaces. Your artistic vision can be a powerful force for change. Be ahead of the call to artist by getting creative today! For Potential Funders : Invest in Change 1. Catalyzing Cultural Transformation: By funding the New Monuments Initiative, your organization can spearhead a cultural transformation in Cincinnati, contributing to the creation of monuments that authentically represent diverse histories and foster inclusive civic narratives. 2. Economic and Cultural Magnet: Supporting the initiative not only invests in art, but also positions Cincinnati as a cultural destination, stimulating economic growth and attracting visitors. 3. Lasting Legacy of Equity: Funding the NMI is an investment in a lasting legacy, showcasing a commitment to truth, justice, and equitable representation, with donors recognized as key contributors to a monumental shift in community celebration and recognition. We look forward to connecting with you in phase two, ArtWorks If you are interested in participating in Phase 2, please reach out to Sydney Fine, Senior Director of Impact, at sydney@artworkscincinnati.org

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Thanks and Credits The Civic Studio wants to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for all of your generous support. Your contributions have made a significant impact on our mission and the people we serve, and we couldn’t be more thankful for your contribution. Your belief in our cause and your willingness to invest in our work is truly inspiring. This generosity has brought us one step closer to achieving our mission to reimagine and rebuild commemorative spaces that celebrate and affirm the historical contributions of the many diverse communities that make up Cincinnati and the United States. Thanks to our Donors

Thanks to our Ongoing Funders

Thanks to our Advisory Committee For more information on our Advisory Committee and their respective industries, please see the full list on page 11 Thanks to our Event Partners A full list of our event partners can be found on page 28-63 Thanks to our report readers A full list of our report readers can be found on page 23 And a Thanks to our Special Contributors

Anne Delano Steinert Assistant Professor, Department of History: Provided list of monuments through the 1990’s Stephen Mockabee Associate Professor, School of Public and International Affairs, University of Cincinnati: Survey design support Nia Baucke Cohear Co-Founder & CEO: Cohear Professional Development Monique Gilliam Director, Organizing: Cohear Professional Development Jessica Moore Manager, Organizing: Cohear Professional Development William P. Umphres, Ph.D. Director for the Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation, Assistant Professor, Educator School of Public and International Affairs University of Cincinnati: UC Center for Truth & Racial Healing Professional Development Jodi Elowitz Chief Learning Officer: Visit to the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center: Tour Lauren Karas Director of Education: Visit to the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center Megan Iverson Program Director: Refugee Connect’s Cultural Competency Training Whitney Dixon Pixxel Designs: Event photography Chris Kromer Kromer Studios: Digitization of creative data

Finally, thanks to each of our event attendees who provided the feedback to make this report possible. Without you this valuable work could not have been accomplished. We are genuinely grateful for your partnership in our mission. Warm regards,

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index

Biographies Asha White (She, Her, Hers) Civic Artist-In-Residence Asha is an artist, entrepreneur, and arts educator. Her work centers her personal identity as a queer African American woman, exploring social justice themes such as race, sexuality, women’s rights, and mental health. Her primary medium is oil on canvas; however, she enjoys working in a variety of disciplines allowing the message to dictate the creative form. With her work, she strives to unite diverse populations through shared experiences and common narratives to facilitate understanding and promote change. She does this by connecting with the communities, giving voice to marginalized people by positioning their voices so that they may be heard by non-minority audiences. Karla Batres Gilvin (She, Her, Hers) Director of Community Impact As Director of Community Impact at ArtWorks, Karla is responsible for all projects, initiatives, and events focused on creative placemaking/keeping, community outreach and engagement strategies, place-based work, and public art consulting, education, and community planning. Karla Batres Gilvin moved to Cincinnati in 2011 to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Art Academy of Cincinnati (2015). While there, she acted as a coordinator for the Community Education Department, instructed art classes for Camp Art Academy, and met her future collaborator and life partner Bradly Gilvin. Subsequently, Karla taught undergraduate fine art classes and co-founded the art collaborative Batres Gilvin, while obtaining a Master of Fine Arts in visual arts from The University of Cincinnati at the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (2020). In 2020, Batres Gilvin was presented an Emerging Artist Jump Start Award by ArtWorks. In turn, Karla co-facilitated Give A Minute Cincinnati, a Greater Cincinnati community arts project. Additionally, Batres Gilvin cocreated Artworks’ first mural-in-the-round, Casa Colina, and was awarded the Artist-in-Residence at the Contemporary Arts Center and The ArtWorks V² Gallery in 2021. Prior to joining ArtWorks, Karla was the Community Programs Administrator at the Contemporary Arts Center where she worked with artists and organizations to research and develop community-focused programs. As a practicing artist, educator, and community arts facilitator Karla believes in art as a tool for connection. She values the importance of collaboration, an awareness of intersectionality, and an emphasis on accessibility + inclusivity. Eve Miller (She, Her, Hers) Eve is a Fine Arts and Sociology student at UC with an artistic focus on investigating the complexities of nature and dreamscapes through illustration, patternmaking, and collage. Her favorite monument is the Fallen Astronaut located on the moon, honoring those who have died in space. Her hope for the Civic Studio is to redefine what a monument can be, and to use public art as a way to memorialize local stories that haven’t been given the recognition they deserve. Lexi Spurlock (She, Her, Hers) Lexi Spurlock loves to work with a variety of artistic mediums, but she can commonly be found creating maps and plans for her Urban Planning classes. Her favorite monument is the Arc de Triomphe because she loves the story of its creation and the significance it has on Paris’s culture to this day. Lexi hopes to uplift a variety of voices within Cincinnati and discover who the people of Cincinnati really are through the New Monuments Initiative. Claire Wagner (She, Her, Hers) Claire is a student at the University in Cincinnati majoring in Entrepreneurship and her artists practices include acrylic painting, collaging, and digital art. One of her favorite monuments is the

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Serpent Mound in Peebles, Ohio because it represents the landform and memorialization aspect of what monuments can be. Claire is closing the year eager to see the future of the initiative and how this report will affect Cincinnati’s monument environment. Madison Lentz (She, Her, Hers) Madison Lentz is a multi-faceted artist who likes to work with oil paints, trash, or leafy plants. Her favorite Cincinnati monument, the Muse of Clifton, is a traditional bronze sculpture but interactive and with fun organic shapes. Her hope for this studio is to promote issues of social justice and equity that have historically been ignored in Cincinnati. Caitlyn Hyland (She, Her, Hers) Caitlyn is a sophomore art major with concentrations in printmaking and design with a minor in arts management. Her favorite monument is Artworks’ mural downtown titled, “Connected Through Generations”. Her hope for the civic studio is to create a space where those of marginalized voices feel recognized in the community. Aspen Stein (They, Them,) Aspen is a multidisciplinary artist who explores the liminal aspects of self, identity, and public presence. These three things often interact within public spaces, so they are excited to take part in this initiative. One of their favorite monuments is “Food is Our Love Language”, a mural on the side of Saigon Market which is one of the oldest Asian grocers in Cincinnati. They joined the New Monuments Initiative to help develop more inclusive public spaces that are more representative of Cincinnati. Lia MacAskill (She, Her, Hers) She’s a fourth year at UC studying medical sciences and art therapy.Her work involves painting, metalwork, and sculpting. Her favorite monument is called “The Cobbler’s Apprentice Plays Ball” because its art style was inspired by a local Cincinnati artist, Frank Duveneck. The greatest impact that the civic studio has had on her is that it opened her eyes to a deeper level of empathy after hearing the stories of underserved community members. Niya Steagall (She, Her, They, Them) She is a graduate from Central State University and has a discipline in pen, pencil, paint, collage, and graphic art. Her favorite monument is the Great Pyramid of Giza located in Egypt. It is her favorite monument because it represents longevity, as well as the beauty of life and death. One of the biggest impacts she gained from working as a civic studio artist was the ability to work with communities she has never worked with before. It was amazing hearing their thoughts and opinions all while gaining a new perspective. Coniah Zoogah (She, Her, Hers) She currently studies as a Graphic Design major at Xavier University with a focus in Illustration and Animation. Her favorite mediums are digital art, animation, acrylic, gouache, and oil paints! Her favorite monument is one she visited during her time in Rome called “El Devenir” and was installed as part of a large-scale project to revitalize areas of Rome that are dense with crime. This work has changed the way that she’s viewed Cincinnati, both as a place and a people. The experiences shared with the Civic studio have left a profound change in the impact she seeks to leave on the world as she moves forward in her career.

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Glossary Accessibility: The quality of being able to be reached or entered. Giving equitable access to everyone regardless of human ability and experience. Activation: The action or process of making something active or operative. Address: The particulars of the place where someone lives or an organization is situated. Advocacy: Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy. Affirm: State as a fact; assert strongly and publicly or to provide emotional support. Analyze: Examine methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of (something, especially information), typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation. Anchor: Provide with a firm basis or foundation. ArcGIS: An online software used for analysis solutions and cloud based-mapping. Used for the purpose of data analysis, collaboration, and map-making. ArcGIS experience builder: A branch of ArcGIS that aids the user in creating low-code web apps and web pages with interactive and easy-to-use features. Arts administration: The managers and directors of cultural or arts organizations responsible for planning, organizing, and executing their company, organization, or event. Art therapy: A form of psychotherapy involving the encouragement of free self-expression through painting, drawing, or modeling, used as a remedial activity or an aid to diagnosis. Artworks Civic Studio: A studio within ArtWorks’ year round studio program, employing youth ages 18-24. The Civic studio is focused on leading civically minded arts initiatives within Cincinnati. The New Monuments Initiative is the first of such initiatives led by the Civic Studio. Audit: An official inspection of an individual’s or organization’s accounts, typically by an independent body. Barack Obama: Barack Obama, born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an American statesman who made history as the 44th President of the United States. His journey from community organizer to the first African American president symbolizes a remarkable rise in American politics. Obama’s two terms in office from 2009 to 2017 were marked by key legislative accomplishments, including the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd-Frank financial reform. Beyond politics, his leadership emphasized unity, hope, and the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society. Basecamp: An online software utilized by the Civic Studio for project organization, information sharing and storage, and ease of communication on projects. Belonging: Is the experience of feeling welcomed and being treated as a member of a community. BIPOC: An Acronym for “Black, Indigenous, and People of Color”. Black Brigade Monument: A monument dedicated to The Black Brigade of Cincinnati was a military unit of African American soldiers organized in 1862 during the Civil War. Catalyze: To/the cause (of) (an action or process) to begin. Cincinnati: A popular, diverse, city settled in 1788 seated in Hamilton County, Ohio. The city sits on the Ohio side of the Ohio River and acts as a highlight for the Tri-State area. Cincinnati Pride: The Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival is a week-long celebration of the city’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other identities. Presented by Pure Romance is a family-friendly, fun event that takes place at Sawyer Point Park on the fourth Saturday in June. Civic: Relating to a city or town, especially its administration; municipal. Relating to the duties or activities of people in relation to their town, city, or local area. Collective: Done by people acting as a group. Commemorate: To mark or remember by some ceremony or observation. Compile: To produce (something, especially a list, report, or book) by assembling information collected from other sources. Contemplation: To look thoughtfully for a long time at. Creative Economy: The sum of all the parts of the creative industries, including trade, labor and production. CSV files: Stands for “Comma-separated Values”. A test format that uses commas to separate values. A simplistic format for representing numeric and textual values.

Civics Studio

2023 NMI REPORT

Culture: Is the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization. Curate: To select, organize, and look after the items in (a collection or exhibition). Curriculum: The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college. Data collection: The process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes. Deliverables: A thing able to be provided, especially as a product of a development process. Demographic: A particular sector of a population. Digital format: The format of the Masters other than a physical configuration typically created in a computer file format (e.g. MP3, WAV, etc. ) that are distributed and sold to Consumers by Electronic Transmission. Digital mapping: The process by which a collection of data is compiled and formatted into a virtual image. The primary function of this technology is to produce maps that give accurate representations of a particular area. Discernible: Able to be perceived or understood. Diversity: A great deal of variety; including or involving people from differing cultural and ethnic backgrounds across spectrums of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc. Engagement data: Is the collected information on the interactions between the public and a company, organization, or a particular topic. Equality: Promotes fairness and justice by giving everyone the same thing. Equity: The state, quality or ideal of being just, impartial and fair. The concept of equity is synonymous with fairness and justice. To be achieved and sustained, equity needs to be thought of as a structural and systemic concept. Equity involves trying to understand and give people what they need to enjoy full, healthy lives. Equity needs to come first before diversity, inclusion or accessibility. Exhibitions: A public display of works of art or items of interest, held in an art gallery or museum or at a trade fair. Ezzard Charles: Ezzard Charles was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia on July 7th, 1921. At nine years old, Charles moved to Cincinnati OH to live with his Grandmother. Charles is an American professional boxer renowned for his versatility and skill across multiple weight classes. Charles began his career in the middleweight division in the 1940s before moving up to become a two-time world heavyweight champion in the early 1950s. Known for his exceptional speed and ring intelligence. Beyond his achievements in the ring, Ezzard Charles is remembered as one of the all-time greats in boxing, showcasing both resilience and adaptability throughout his illustrious career. Facet: A particular aspect or feature of something. Fine art: Creative art, especially visual art whose products are to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative, aesthetic, or intellectual content. Funder: A person or organization that provides money for a particular purpose or group. Gender Identity: Is a person’s internal experience of gender, such as male, female, trans, or non-binary, which may or may not correspond with their biological sex. Generations: All of the people born between specified dates, around the same time. George Floyd: George Floyd, born on October 14, 1973, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, tragically became a symbol of the fight against racial injustice. His life was cut short on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when a police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck during an arrest, leading to widespread protests and a global call for justice. Floyd, a father of five, worked in various jobs, striving to support his family and was remembered by those who knew him as a friendly and compassionate person. His untimely death sparked a renewed and urgent conversation about systemic racism, police brutality, and the need for meaningful societal change. Graffiti Wall: A method of data collection used for asking citizens what stories or people they’d like to see remembered in monuments. Participants were invited to write their responses directly on event space walls, windows, or the Civic Studio’s mobile plexiglass wall, as deemed appropriate for each event. Graphics: Visual images or designs on some surface, such as a wall, canvas, screen, paper, stone, etc. to inform, illustrate, or entertain. Historically Marginalized: Groups and communities that face social, cultural, political, and/or economic exclusion due to uneven power dynamics. Honoree: A person receiving an honor or award for their actions or production. Hopewell Earthworks: The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks comprises eight ancient indigenous ceremonial sites in southern Ohio. The monumental enclosures were built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago.

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Ideate: From an idea of, to imagine or conceive. Immigrants: A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country. Implement: To put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect. Implicit Bias: A form of bias or prejudice that is present but not consciously recognized, yet nevertheless affects judgments, decisions, and behaviors. Inaugural: Marking the beginning of an institution activity or period of office. Inclusion: The ability to leverage the power of differences and similarities to effectively achieve a common goal or objective while being open and emphatic. It is the intentional, ongoing effort to ensure that diverse people with different identities are able to fully participate in all aspects of the work of an organization, including leadership positions and decision-making processes. It refers to the way that diverse individuals are valued as respected members and are welcomed in an organization and/or community. Innovative: Introducing new ideas or the process of being original and creative in thinking. Insights: The capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing. Interactive: At least two people or things influencing or having an effect on each other. Intersectionality: The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. Coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw. Invested: To devote one’s time, effort, money, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. James Brown: James Brown, born on May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, was a pioneering American singer, songwriter, and dancer widely recognized as the “Godfather of Soul.” With a career spanning several decades, Brown’s influence on music is immeasurable, particularly in the development of funk and soul. Renowned for his electrifying stage presence and tightknit performances, James Brown left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, earning him the title of the “Hardest Working Man in Show Business.” Justice: Justice is the ethical, philosophical idea that people are to be treated impartially, fairly, properly, and reasonably by the law and by arbiters of the law, that laws are to ensure that no harm befalls another, and that, where harm is alleged, a remedial action is taken Landscape: The distinctive features of a particular situation or intellectual activity A portion of the Earth’s surface viewable from one time and place. Latitude: The angular distance of a place north or south of the earth’s equator, or of a celestial object north or south of the celestial equator, usually expressed in degrees and minutes. Layouts: The arrangement or set up of parts of a whole. LGBTQ+: Acronym for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and more communities. Commonly seen as LGBT or LGBTQIA which adds intersex, asexual and more identities after “Q” in the acronym. Local: Belonging or relating to a particular area or neighborhood, typically exclusively so. Logging: To make a systematic recording of (events, observations, or measurements). Longitude: The angular distance of a place east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England, or west of the standard meridian of a celestial object, usually expressed in degrees and minutes. Low income individuals: An individual or family whose total income is at or below 150% of the poverty line. As of December 2023, the Federal Poverty Line for a single person household in the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia is $14,580. With each additional member of a household, the poverty line increases by $5,140. Marginalization: Treatment of a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral. Marian Spencer: Marian Spencer, born on June 28, 1920, in Gallipolis, Ohio, was a trailblazing American civil rights activist known for her tireless efforts in the fight against discrimination. Spencer’s advocacy work gained prominence in the 1950s when she challenged racial segregation at Coney Island amusement park. In 1983, she became the first African American woman elected to Cincinnati City Council, making history and furthering her impact on local politics. Throughout her life, Spencer’s dedication to social justice, fair housing, and community development left an enduring legacy of courage and resilience. Marian Spencer passed away on July 9, 2019, but her contributions continue to inspire those committed to creating a more just and inclusive society. Markers: An object used to indicate a position, place, or route. a felt-tip pen with a broad tip Marketing: The activity or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising. Miami River Valleys: The region surrounding the Great Miami River in southwest Ohio. Mixed media: Artwork that employs one or more mediums or materials. Most prominent examples are collages or sculpture work. Monument: A physical work, public space, or landscape which represents an important story or community value to be

Civics Studio

2023 NMI REPORT

remembered for generations to come. Narratives: A story; a spoken or written account of connected events. Nonprofit: An organization or person that devotes time, energy, and resources, without the expectation of compensation. Overview: A general summation of a subject or project. Partnership: An arrangement between two or more people to oversee business operations and share its profits and liabilities. People with disabilities: An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. Phases: A distinct period or stage in a series of events or a process of change or development. Privilege: A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people. Prompt: an act of assisting or encouraging a hesitating speaker or participant Prototypes: A first, typical or preliminary model of something, from which other forms are developed or copied. Resonate: To remind someone of something; to be similar to what someone thinks or believes. Scrutiny: To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly. Senior citizens: An elderly person, especially one who is retired and living on a pension. Skill set: The knowledge, abilities, and experience needed to perform a job. Slay: Slang for succeeding at something amazing; praise for doing something well Social justice: Justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. Social Welfare: Organized public or private social services for the assistance of disadvantaged segments of society that are underprivileged or disadvantaged because of poverty, poor education, unemployment, etc. SpeakAI: A cutting-edge platform that helps researchers and marketers extract valuable insights from media. Speak AI offers professional, automated transcription services with 99% accuracy, along with intelligent analysis that allows users to quickly identify key phrases, topics, and trends. Stakeholders: A person with an interest or concern in something, especially a business. Stanford: A University in California known for its world-wide groundbreaking research and its stature as a teaching institution. Statuary: Sculpture consisting of statues; statues regarded collectively. Stigma: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person Survey: An investigation of the opinions or experience of a group of people, based on a series of questions. Systemic Inequality: Refers to unjust or discriminatory practices built into our social, political, and economic institutions as a whole, as opposed to individual bias or discrimination. Testament: Something that serves as a sign or evidence of a specified fact, event, or quality. Thematize: To present or select (a subject) as a theme. Transdisciplinary: Relating to more than one branch of knowledge, area, or expertise. Urban planning: Design and regulation of the uses of a space that focus on the physical form, economic functions, and social impacts of the urban environment and on the location of different activities within it. URL: A Uniform Resource Locator, more commonly known as the address for a webpage. Youth: The period between childhood and adult age Zine: (Pronounced ZEEN) Short for magazine. Especially a noncommercial often homemade or online publication usually devoted to specialized and often unconventional subject matter

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Sources Chambliss J.C. (2022, December). National Monument Audit, Journal of American History, Volume 109, Issue 3, Pages 628–631, https://doi.org/10.1093/jahist/jaac348 City Planning and Engagement Department. (2021, August). Census Data & Demographics. City of Cincinnati. https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/planning/maps-and-data/census-demographics/. Corrigan, P. W. (2006, March 2). The impact of stigma on severe mental illness. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/ S1077722998800060#:~:text=This%20kind%20of%20rebuff%20frequently,persons%20with%20 severe%20mental%20illness. Fonseka, T. M., Taiwo, A., & Sethi, B. (2021). Use of arts-based research to uncover racism. Studies in Social Justice, 15(1), 43–58. https://doi.org/10.26522/ssj.v15i1.2234 Lee, Bryan , et al. “Paper Monuments.” 18 Oct. 2019. https://issuu.com/colloqate/docs/pm_final_report Nero, K. (2021, November 7). Kathrine Nero: The secret history of play-doh, created in Cincinnati. The Enquirer. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/11/07/play-doh-history-wallpaper-cleanercincinnati-kathrine-nero/6281008001/ Overview | BLINK | A Festival of Light & Art | Cincinnati, Ohio | October 13-16, 2022. (n.d.). Www. blinkcincinnati.com. https://www.blinkcincinnati.com/about Stanford University. (n.d.). Guides: Qualitative research: Definition. Definition - Qualitative research Guides at Stanford University. https://guides.library.stanford.edu/qualitative_research Stuart H. Media portrayal of mental illness and its treatments: what effect does it have on people with mental illness? CNS Drugs. 2006;20(2):99-106. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200620020-00002. PMID: 16478286. Suess, J. (2021, April 25). Tragic tale of the whales displayed at a Cincinnati Resort in 1877. The Enquirer. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/04/25/cincinnati-whales-lookout-housemount-auburn/7312829002/ United States Census Bureau. (n.d.). U.S. Census Bureau quickfacts: Cincinnati City, Ohio. QuickFacts. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/cincinnaticityohio/PST045222 University of Cincinnati. (n.d.). Native American initiatives. Campus Life. https://www.uc.edu/campuslife/eps/identity-based-initiatives/native-american.html#:~:text=The%20Cincinnati%20area%20 and%20the,%2C%20Miami%2C%20and%20Shawnee%20tribes. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, June 3). Implicit bias. National Institutes of Health. https://diversity.nih.gov/sociocultural-factors/implicit-bias#:~:text=What%20 is%20implicit%20bias%3F,judgments%2C%20decisions%2C%20and%20behaviors. Wikimedia Foundation. (2005, January 27). Ezzard Charles. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Ezzard_Charles Wikimedia Foundation. (2018, February 13). Harriet Beecher stowe. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Harriet_Beecher_Stowe

Monument Log

Civics Studio

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