February 2009

Thom Mariner
Co-publisher, Express Cincinnati & EXP/arts

In October, we announced our intent to add promotion and coverage of the arts to Express Cincinnati. There are several reasons why this is extremely important – to Express as an enterprise, to us personally, and to the Cincinnati community as a whole.

When Beth and I purchased Express this past summer, it seemed logical to extend our reach by covering not only the fundraising efforts of arts and philanthropic organizations, but highlight, as well, the results and products of these efforts. (You will also see similar enhancements in the fundraising coverage of Express moving forward.)
One of the strongest bonds we share is our passion for artistic expression. While Beth is a visual artist and I am a musician, we both appreciate and value the arts in all their forms and acknowledge their common values.

From the very beginning of our tenure with Express, arts organizations approached us requesting that we help them reach more people.
The arts are good for business. The depth and scope of what we offer artistically here in Cincinnati sets us apart from other cities in the region. Without our artistic and cultural heritage, we are just like any other mid-sized Midwest city. With that legacy, we are Cincinnati, a breed apart.

Lastly, and most importantly, we believe the arts represent the absolute best in terms of what it is to be a human being: creativity, imagination, passion, justice, spirituality. Nothing else distinguishes us more from the species beyond which we have evolved than the ability to express ourselves artistically.

Through creative expression, whether we are participants or spectators, our consciousness is expanded, our hearts are opened, and our quality of life is enhanced. Everyone wins.
In this inaugural issue of EXP/arts we promote the Fine Arts Fund Sampler Weekend, sponsored by Macy’s, and – consequently – the FAF Annual Campaign. A unique and inspired fund- and consciousness-raising endeavor, the FAF is our communal opportunity to financially support and show our gratitude to those advancing all things artistic in Cincinnati and environs.

We know that we are preaching to the choir here. You, our valued readers, are the most passionate and engaged exponents of what makes Cincinnati a special place in which to live and work. Our charge to you is this…

Take every opportunity to support this campaign and the individuals and organizations it benefits, whether that is by your own financial support or by encouraging others to do so. You will enhance the quality of life for everyone around you and make Cincinnati a better place to live … for all of us.

Cincinnati is unique among cities of our size in terms of the sophistication of the art that we generate and sustain internally. Other cities have to import much of what they call culture. Because of the age and depth of our artistic heritage, much of our culture is home grown. Please join with us and do everything in your power to keep it that way.

You can start by attending and promoting the FAF Sampler Weekend, particularly those of you who have younger children or grandchildren. What a great way for people to graze the smorgasbord of talent we have at our disposal. There are activities and events throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for two solid days. Please go, expand your experience, and take your friends with you. Time to get to work!

For more information on the FAF Sampler Weekend, read on.