By: Christen Collins

Image Credit: Black Art Speaks
Black Art Speaks
Black Art Speaks Cincinnati Artist Collective is a group of innovators working together to create positive changes that influence the course of the future and are making big differences in the community. They’re a non-profit membership that promotes and celebrates the beauty and history of black culture. These incredible artists have stepped into their roles as leaders to share their voices through the power of creativity that is collaboratively offering more opportunities to engage in expression that is meaningful and impactful.

Photo by: Austin Neal
“BAS supports, fosters, and convenes Black Artists and arts and cultural organizations by creating and connecting direct funding opportunities to employ Black Artists, coordinating and seeking exhibition opportunities, providing professional development to expand business acumen, providing mentoring, educational and programming services.” – Black Art Speaks


Photos by: Black Art Speaks
The collective orchestrated and created the profound mural that interprets and proclaims with pride the words BLACK LIVES MATTER. Inspiration sparked from the visionary and creator, Alandes Powell’s poem, “We Want What You Want” “Finding Voice Through Art”. The project was organized by 17 managers that included 70 artists and designers to bring the words to life by painting different significant depictions in each letter. This impressive and prolific mural in Downtown Cincinnati, right in front of City Hall on Plum Street.



Photos by: Christen Collins
There are a variety of ways to join their team, by becoming a member, volunteering, and applying for different call to artist projects to participate in. They recently partnered up with Ziegler Park to bring more art to the area with several murals in the expansion of the park that are interactive, informative, and fun. Showing the influence that art and education has on the community by including people in taking action to create a better environment for everyone to enjoy and thrive in.

Art by: Adoria Maxberry
Photos by: Christen Collins
Black Art Speaks Artist Collective has and continues to make huge contributions to social practice in Cincinnati that is truly inspiring and admirable. Focusing on raising awareness and acceptance by supporting others through solidarity and providing hope for equality and peace. For more information on how to get involved, donate to the cause, and show gratitude for this amazing group of creatives visit their online platforms and their paintings in person!
https://www.blackartspeaks.com https://www.instagram.com/black.art.speaks/ https://www.instagram.com/alandesp/ instagram.com/themrsmaxberry https://www.instagram.com/austinneal/?hl=en https://zieglerpark.org