Approaching Ten Years...

The image to the left was taken in the summer of 2015. It was an extremely special moment in time. Ellen was in the middle of opening an amazing annex space for her community and, with her invitation, we were in the middle of planning a major exhibition — one that would later be named as one of the year's best. And while our exhibition would open the eyes of many, more importantly, the image was for a CityBeat article highlighting the growth of our long-time friends and collaborators at Kennedy Heights Arts Center! 

At the time, our org was simply comprised of a determined artist and a team of advisers. We were not yet a recognized 501c3, but we had started the determination process (at the federal level) about a year prior. And as many may not know, groups of us like-minded artists had been creating collaborative projects for a number of years at that point (2010).

 In October of 2015, our status officially changed. And in that moment we became one of Cincinnati's newest Black-Led And Black-Founded Arts & Education Nonprofits — a B.L.A.B.F.A.E.N. if feeling like we need a new creative acronym. Also, yes, the "And" is important.

So what does all of this mean and why should you care? 

Well, in less than a month your favorite B.L.A.B.F.A.E.N. — Professional Artistic Research Projects — will officially hit a highly improbably milestone. Our little ol' nonprofit will become TEN YEARS old. And if you ask us, the timing of this moment could not be better, as we're just about to enter another growth phase with our 3/4 acre arts & education campus — also known as, more to celebrate!

OK. What's next?

As we prepare to launch into our TENTH YEAR as an Ohio-based nonprofit, we'd first like to THANK EVERYONE who's had our back since day one ... as well our recent supporters.

To make it to this moment is one thing. . . But to make it to this moment as a Black-Led and Black-Founded nonprofit that prides itself on supporting BIPOC artists and Women artists, but keeps the doors wide open for every kind creative thinker under the sun is a whole other thing!

All said, if you want to help us launch into this year-long celebration, go ahead and mark your calendars for Friday October 3rd and plan to join us at OUR- Block Party, featuring Grandmaster Caz.

And now?

Please enjoy the video of what it looks like when CREATIVITY and COLLABORATION are prioritized and dreams come together for a month or two at a time!

Thanks again to all who helped make these years (and the projects) feel like the ride of a lifetime!

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