BLINK, a free and elaborate artistic collection of light and interactive art that gathers millions of people from across the world to showcase its hub of arts and culture, will make its highly-anticipated return to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for the first time in two years on Oct. 17-20.
The exhibition is presented and funded by ArtsWave, a local nonprofit that has been financing concerts, artists, shows, arts education and more for almost 100 years. The organization’s goal is to build an “inclusive and equitable community” for artists to prosper in the region.
ArtsWave was founded in 1927 with a challenge grant to the community by Anna Sinton and Charles Phelps Taft in order to secure the future of the region’s arts. Since then, they have contributed to many unique projects throughout the years through grants that support various communities in Cincinnati and NKY.
One of the major shows they have helped fund since the beginning of their creation includes the nationally-renowned BLINK, which celebrated their first ever event in 2017. The exhibition features projection mapping, elaborate murals and innovative light technology throughout Cincinnati’s cityscape.
During its first year in the city, BLINK spanned over 20 blocks and lasted four days from Oct. 12-15, and was the brainchild of a previous but popular light show called “Lumenocity.”
This smaller exhibition debuted at Washington Park in 2013 and featured light projections and a concert by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in order to welcome the orchestra’s new music director, Louis Langré, according to WVXU News.
Lumenocity drew close to 50,000 visitors at its pioneer event and lasted four years before the idea of BLINK came to fruition.
According to Projection Lights and Staging News Magazine, Brave Berlin owners and partners Dan Reynolds and Steve McGowen discussed the possibility of starting BLINK with the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce for almost two years.
After a while of planning and collaboration with artists and fellow projection assets like PRG, along with event sponsors such as ArtWorks and the Haile Foundation, BLINK finally took off and held its very first show in Cincinnati.
That first year was pivotal for the creators of BLINK, kicking off the 2017 event with a light parade that ran down Vine Street from Findlay Market to Washington Park. It also showcased over 60 interactive art sculptures, projection mappings and murals alongside other light-based displays with around 30 artists performing on stages throughout the day’s festivities.
Two years later, in 2019, BLINK was back and better than ever, spanning 30 blocks into Cincinnati and across the river into Covington for the first time. It featured more artists and installations, such as the world’s largest mobile disco ball glimmering inside of Music Hall and extravagant lights projected onto the Roebling Bridge’s facade.
However, the planning of 2021’s show would soon come to a halt after the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the world in its tracks.
Founders expressed their sincerity and hope for the possibility of a show the following year with an Instagram post on March 20, 2020, stating: “Now, more than ever, our shining future city must stand united and remember who we are. We invite you to join us in sharing your favorite memory from BLINK, not to dwell on the past but as a reminder of what is possible when we stand together united and of the brighter days to come.”
Almost a full year later, in March of 2021, BLINK returned to Instagram with a post announcing the city’s approval of another show in October 2022. Lovers of the exhibition took to social media to declare their unanimous anticipation.
Now, in 2024, BLINK will make its enthusiastic return to the area with a roster of some of the most talented regional, national and global artists.
According to a press release from BLINK regarding this year’s upcoming festivities, they stated they had “2.1 million attendees and $126 million direct economic impact for the Cincinnati region in 2022” after taking a hard hit financially during the pandemic the year prior.
The event will stretch 35 blocks from Findlay Market in Cincinnati all the way into Covington and will last four days. BLINK will highlight more light technology and displays than ever before, making it a must-see.
“Cincinnati is a place for people to gather and meet and discuss new ideas. The city comes to life at night, and I’m really energized by the idea that more people will get to experience and participate,” said returning BLINK Executive Director Justin Brookhart in a statement. “BLINK is an invitation for people across the country and the world to experience Cincinnati as a wholly immersive and innovative destination.”