We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jill Dunne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jill thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

ArtWorks’ mission is to create community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages. Seeing this mission in action every day is incredibly rewarding. I’m moved by the impact we have on young creatives and the change within our communities, which fuels what I do for the organization.

Our mission really comes to life with the young people we hire, ages 14-21. At the start of summer orientation, many are nervous and unsure. But after ten weeks of working on site and bringing a mural to life, they change a lot. They climb scaffolding, work with professional artists, and team up with peers. I see them become more confident, knowledgeable, and strong in their art. They also learn to talk openly about their own work and experiences.

The impact reaches beyond the artists to the communities where our murals are located. Each project involves community partners, from big companies like Kroger and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to smaller nonprofits like Queen City Book Bank and Cincinnati Pride. For example, one of our murals celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, sending a clear message: “You are welcome here in Cincinnati.” Our works don’t just change the cityscape; they aim to make a real difference to those who see them.

And our summer mural program is only one part of what we do all year round. Our mission matters because it supports growth, inclusivity, and connection in Cincinnati. It empowers young artists and enriches communities, creating public art that reflects and uplifts our shared experiences.

Jill, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been part of the leadership team at ArtWorks for just over a year. As Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, I have a birds-eye view of all the many programs and future for our organization. For example, I’m so excited about our new creative campus in Walnut Hills and very proud that ArtWorks’ efforts led to Cincinnati’s recognition as the #1 City for Street Art in 2024.

In my role, I oversee all advertising, public relations, and digital and traditional communications. But I think of myself as the organization’s storyteller. I’m working alongside CEO & Creative Director Colleen Houston to ensure ArtWorks’ collective efforts leave an incredible mark on the city. I have the privilege of seeing the bigger picture and the results of all our hard work. The finished murals and projects are one thing – but seeing the young creatives we employ grow is the most rewarding.

I am here because I am very passionate about supporting Cincinnati’s arts and I have a strong background working for some of Cincinnati’s best organizations. I led the Cincinnati Art Museum’s marketing & communications team for nearly eight years. I worked for Cincinnati Metro and appeared on national television while I was Public Relations Manager for the Newport Aquarium.

In 2019 I became a Cincy USA Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA), a perfect fit for someone dedicated to advocating for Cincinnati. I am dedicated to showcasing the treasures of the city – especially the local arts and culture scene.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

ArtWorks is making a difference through its work with young people and I’m inspired by these effforts.

One of the most pressing challenges facing Greater Cincinnati is the plight of its young people: high school dropout rates, unemployment, and a mental health crisis.

About 24,000 young people drop out of high school in Ohio annually, and the unemployment rate for youth stands at 8.7%, according to the US Department of Labor. Plus, the CDC reports alarming rates of persistent sadness or hopelessness among students, particularly affecting under-resourced communities.

There are no shortcuts or quick flips that can change this. But I do think that ArtWorks’ mission (together with partners like Hamilton County Youth Employment/Talbert House) can become a beacon of hope for these young people, providing safe spaces where young individuals can not only find support but also discover their creative potential and self-worth.

The next generation is struggling in our city and elsewhere, and I think intervention is possible through the work we do at ArtWorks.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

ArtWorks’ leadership team read “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” by Priya Parker last year and it was a great way to reframe the reasons why we have meetings, events and experiences. Being so thoughtful about events and thinking them through with greater care, clarity and creativity has been really insightful for all of us.

I follow some great thought-leaders about nonprofit organizations on LinkedIn, like Vu Le, and creativity experts like Adam Grant. I love the resources provided by CreativeMornings and Leadership Council for Nonprofits as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artworkscincinnati.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artworkscincy/, https://www.instagram.com/writerjillie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtWorksCincinnati/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilldunne/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ArtWorksCincy, https://x.com/WriterJillie
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/artworkscincinnati

Image Credits

Primary image credit: Romain Maya
Group in front of Pride Mural, Jill Dunne is second from left. Photo by Joe Simon.
Jill Dunne with Allen Woods, Mortar. Photo by Phil Armstrong.