Submissions are due by September 2
By Jackie Reau
Game Day
Organizers of BLINK, illuminated by ArtsWave, have announced the return of the parade to Cincinnati’s art, light and cultural event. Taking place on October 13, this year’s theme is “Together: a constellation of shared cultures and unique identities; we illuminate joy through creative expression.” Applications to participate are now open at blinkcincinnati.com and will close September 2 at 5 p.m.
To spearhead the organization of the 2022 parade, BLINK has partnered with ish, a Cincinnati-based arts and cultural organization centering Jewish cultural traditions as a platform for connecting artists with communities to create new experiences. Marie Krulewitch-Browne, founding executive and artistic director, and Megan Rahill, director of programs and operations, have experience working on BLINK in both 2017 and 2019, including bringing the 2019 BLINK Parade to life.
“The parade is the way our communities can get involved and collaborate. Anyone can be an artist or designer through their entry, and this is the spirit of what BLINK means for our city and our region,” said Krulewitch-Browne. “In a time when there are so many things that can divide us, we want to focus on the parade as a coming back together after the pandemic and a way of bridging those divides with joy and celebration.”
“The BLINK Parade is the premier kick-off celebration for the weekend and is also the biggest opportunity for community engagement,” said Justin Brookhart, BLINK executive director.
Accepted parade participants will be awarded funds up to $2,500. Entries must reflect on how light will be used to highlight and celebrate your/your group’s unique attributes, symbols or cultural traditions.
Categories of participation include:
● Requesting a prefabricated kit (lanterns, masks)
● Host a community workshop (wearables, hats, masks, etc.)
● Floats, kinetic sculptures and puppets
● Performance (dance, choral, theatrical)
● Just want to walk
New additions to the parade for 2022 include
Neighborhood Activations: The parade celebration will kick-off the month leading up to BLINK with a “torch passing” ceremony between Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky neighborhoods
Finale & Culminating Event: This year the parade will culminate at a special location (to be announced) for a finale performance and lighting ritual to formally kick off the BLINK weekend. Individuals and groups will have opportunity to indicate interest to participate in this closing event (limited spaces available).
Full application details are available by visiting blinkcincinnati.com.