[category]
[title]
Cincinnati is getting a very dramatic lighting upgrade this weekend. Historic buildings will become moving canvases, public spaces will glow with interactive installations and an entire evening stroll could turn into an art crawl.
BLINK, billed as the country’s biggest celebration of public art and light, returns this weekend through October 11 for its fifth edition, transforming Cincinnati and neighboring Northern Kentucky into an enormous outdoor exhibition. More than 90 artists are participating in the four-day festival, which combines architectural projections, murals, live performances and plenty of reasons to keep walking after dark. And your admission fee for the affair? Absolutely nothing.
RECOMMENDED: Where to see Yayoi Kusama art installations in the U.S.
Organizers describe a festival spanning more than 30 downtown city blocks across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, letting visitors experience the area through its buildings, streets and public spaces. Among the biggest draws is projection mapping, which uses digital imagery to transform some of the area’s most iconic and historic architecture. Buildings become backdrops for large-scale moving artwork, while interactive light installations invite visitors to do more than stand around admiring the glow.
Beyond the illuminated attractions, programming includes expansive murals, a live fashion show and a pop-up skate park. Live performances and food-and-beverage offerings round out the experience, making it a good excuse to spend an evening wandering with little urgency.
This year’s roster represents 20 countries, including 40 international artists and 30 from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Organizers also say the edition features a record number of women artists, with many participants making their BLINK debuts. Artists include Shahzia Sikander, The Mz.Icar Collective, Spanish artist Dulk, Australian artist Sofles and England’s Illumaphonium. Local participants include Black Art Speaks, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful and students from area universities and arts schools.
Some artwork lasts well beyond the weekend. Since BLINK launched in 2017, the festival has created more than 70 murals; this year’s edition is set to bring that total to 75. Organizers say more than 2 million people attended the 2024 event and estimate its economic impact at $205 million.
BLINK is free and open to the public, with programming welcoming visitors of all ages.