The research project delves into the activities and impact of CULT (Creative Union of Local Trades), a dynamic community collective designed to unite graphic designers, developers, makers and all around creatives from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. CULT aims to create a collaborative platform where local creatives can share resources, expertise, and opportunities while fostering community engagement. By exploring the intersection of art, trade, and local culture, CULT addresses regional issues such as economic revitalization, cultural preservation, and social equity.
The project will analyze CULT’s role in building cross-disciplinary partnerships and providing support for emerging and established artists through meet-ups, exhibitions, and community projects. Key research questions include how the collective has influenced the local creative economy, its effectiveness in fostering a sense of belonging among the creative, and its strategies for engaging marginalized voices. Through interviews, participant observation, and archival research, this study will highlight CULT’s contribution to regional identity and explore how grassroots collectives like CULT can serve as models for sustainable creative economies in post-industrial cities.