EXPLORING PUBLICNESS

HAMILTON, OHIO

Downtown Hamilton has been reinvented throughout the past ten years thanks to an emerging vibrant art scene and dedicated community members. The industrial-aged river town has begun to bounce back with bright murals, manicured green space, living, shopping, and dining. Adaptive reuse and progressive leadership have been part of creating this new Hamilton that is here to stay. Hamilton always has something going on from live music at the amphitheater to free community festivals. Hamilton has dedication to its history, culture, community, localization, and art. In August of 2000, the Ohio Governor recognized Hamilton as “The City of Sculpture.” The Hamilton, Ohio City of Sculpture non-profit was formed after this with the goal to acquire and maintain public sculptures in the community. Today, Hamilton now has 55 public sculptural pieces. The city also has a public art program called StreetSpark run through the local Fitton Center of Creative Arts. This program promotes community awareness and engagement with the arts, providing local artists with opportunities to create art for the public and enhance the city’s visual appeal.