FAQs

CAN is a new initiative from the Cincinnati Regional Chamber and the Haile Foundation that connects local artists and creative entrepreneurs with resources, opportunities, and people who want to work with them.

Everyone! The directory is open to the public—whether you’re an artist looking to connect, a business seeking creative talent, or a community group planning an event.

Browsing and creating a basic artist profile are free. Membership, which includes additional benefits through the Chamber, is optional and available for a paid annual fee.

CAN serves artists and collaborators in the 15-county Cincinnati MSA serving Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana.

Any artist, creative, or maker aged 18 or older who lives or works in the Cincinnati MSA.

Nope! CAN welcomes part-time, freelance, and emerging artists alongside established professionals. You don’t need to make a full-time living from your art—but you do need to be actively creating and committed to growing in your practice.

Click “Join” in the top navigation bar or page footer. You’ll be guided to upload images of your work, write a short bio, and select your creative discipline. It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and you have to do it all in one go, so we recommend using a computer.

Members receive access to Chamber-level benefits like group healthcare options, networking events, discounts on business services, and exclusive marketing and professional development opportunities. Learn more here.

Nope! We like sharing and want to be as equitable as possible, so many of CAN’s resources, guides, and opportunities are open to all. Membership simply unlocks additional perks and connections.

CAN welcomes Visual Artists, Musicians, Designers, Performers, Writers, and Makers in many specializations. See the full breakdown here [LINK to Glossary]. This list may change and grow as we learn more about our community's needs.

To be listed in the CAN directory, artists must:

• Own and create their work (no resellers or reps, unless noted as collaborators),
• Be willing to share or sell their work or services (including performances, commissions, licensing, etc.),
• Have actively created or performed within the past 18 months.

This helps ensure that everyone listed is actively engaged in their creative practice and open to connection or collaboration.

CAN welcomes artists from every discipline—visual, performing, musical, literary, digital, and beyond.

Glossary of Terms

Use the search bar or filter options in the directory to find artists by style, medium, or type of work. You can contact artists directly from their profiles by clicking the Send Me a Message button. There is no fee for you to use the site or contact artists, but please limit your outreach to serious inquiries related to collaboration, commissions, or paid opportunities.

Anything from murals, photography, and branding to performances, workshops, and creative collaborations. You can find suggestions on the Start Here page, or Contact Us and we'll share some ideas.

Each artist’s profile includes a Send Me a Message button that will contact artists directly via email. Be sure to share details about your project, timeline, and budget if available—this will help artists understand the best way to work with you.

Yes! If you’re not sure where to start, visit the Start Here page or fill out the Contact Us form—we’ll help point you in the right direction.

Wonderful! Reach out through the Let’s Collaborate option on the Contact page.

No. Artists and clients connect directly through the platform; CAN doesn’t take a percentage or act as a middleman.