About

About the Cincinnati Artist Network

A new kind of support system for artists

The Cincinnati Artist Network (CAN) connects and supports the independent artists and creative entrepreneurs who shape our region’s culture.

We’re here to make sure artists have access to the same kind of support Big Business(TM)gets—things like healthcare options, professional development, marketing exposure, and a network that opens doors. Because artists aren’t just part of the economy—they help build it.

How it started

In 2019, Wave Pool and ArtWorks teamed up to conduct the Cincinnati Artist Report, a study that revealed what many already knew: while our region is rich in creative talent, independent artists often lack the business skills, tools, and infrastructure to sustain themselves as small businesses.

A small team took the first step by launching theartistdirectory.com in 2020—a grassroots platform that helped local artists showcase their work. Around the same time, the Haile Foundation began exploring how to better support artists as entrepreneurs and reached out to the Cincinnati Regional Chamber to help grow the vision.

Together, they created the Cincinnati Artist Network: a new initiative built to connect creativity and commerce in meaningful, lasting ways.

Our Mission

We believe artists deserve the same access, respect, and opportunity as any other professional in our area. Our mission is to help independent artists and creative entrepreneurs build sustainable careers and companies.

Our Vision

A Cincinnati region where artists are recognized as leaders essential to the region’s cultural and economic vibrancy—where art is valued as real work, and artists have a seat at every table shaping our future.

Led by artists, supported by partners

CAN is led by Executive Director Tamia Stinson, a longtime advocate for local creatives and founder of Tether, an early network for Cincinnati image-makers. Under her leadership, CAN is building bridges between artists, businesses, and institutions—ensuring that creatives remain at the center of Cincinnati’s story.

Because there is no “the arts” without the artists.

That’s what CAN stands for—and why we’re here.