Oct 28, 2026 - Culture

New network helps local artists find paid work

Kristen Swilley

The Statue of David wearing a suit and tie. — Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios

Cincinnati's creative class has plenty of talent. Now, there's a network helping artists turn that talent into a paycheck.

Why it matters: The Cincinnati Artist Network (CAN) is working to make the starving artist stereotype a thing of the past by connecting local creatives with paying clients and business resources.

Launched last year by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber with support from the Haile Foundation, CAN bills itself as the nation's first chamber-built artist network.

How it works: The network's free online directory helps businesses, organizations and residents find and hire local artists for everything from murals to creative collaborations.

Artists can also tap into the Chamber's professional networks and resources to help grow their businesses.
More than 300 local artists have joined the network, which also offers access to resources for finding gigs, grants and studio space.

Got a little money for a little Monet? Browse the artist directory.

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New network helps local artists find paid work

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