CINCINNATI – June 20, 2025 –
The leadership team behind BLINK®, the nation’s largest immersive light and art event, is proud to announce Leslie Mooney as the festival’s new Vice President and Executive Director. Mooney, a seasoned nonprofit and cultural leader in Cincinnati, brings a deep passion for the arts, proven executive experience, and a strong commitment to community impact.
BLINK transforms over 30 city blocks across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with large-scale projection mapping, interactive light sculptures, and world-class street art, has grown into an internationally celebrated event that attracts more than a million visitors. As Executive Director, Mooney will lead the team that produces BLINK.
“BLINK is one of the most beloved experiences in our region—defining our place as a global hub for cultural vibrancy and showcasing the creative strength of our region,” said Brendon Cull, President & CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. “Leslie Mooney is a talented executive and arts administrator that brings the kind of leadership, cultural insight, and community-minded spirit that will guide BLINK’s continued growth, economic impact, and global reach.”
Mooney has served as Executive Director of the Clifton Cultural Arts Center since 2013, and among other accomplishments, spearheaded the building of its new home in the heart of Clifton. She was also Development Director at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and, while living in Washington, DC and Boston, held positions at the US Department of Justice and Boston History & Innovation Collaborative. Her career has focused on building civic connection through storytelling, placemaking, and inclusive arts and cultural programming.
“BLINK has always been about possibility—about what can happen when we let creativity take over our streets and bring people together in unexpected ways,” said Leslie Mooney. “I’m honored to carry forward the legacy of this unforgettable event and proud to celebrate the creative spirit that makes Cincinnati shine. Through bold collaboration with our partners, communities, and world-class artists—both locally and globally—I look forward to building something that reflects the heart and energy of our city.”
“BLINK began as an experiment in what could happen when a city dreams together—and it has grown into something extraordinary,” said Andrew Salzbrun, Managing Partner at AGAR and co-creator of BLINK. “As we look ahead, we’re excited for the continued collaboration, creativity, and community leadership that will shape its next chapter, and we’re excited that Leslie is joining the team as our Executive Director.”
As the event looks to 2026, Mooney’s appointment comes with strong support from the collaborative group of organizations that make BLINK possible, including AGAR, the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, and ArtsWave.
“BLINK contributes cultural vibrancy and economic vitality to our region in bold and innumerable ways,” said Bernie McKay, President & CEO of The Haile Foundation. “We’re excited to see Leslie Mooney take on this leadership role and remain committed to supporting the Chamber on this important cultural asset.”
“BLINK is one of our region’s most inspiring examples of what happens when artists, neighborhoods, and civic institutions come together,” said Alecia Kintner, President & CEO of ArtsWave. “Leslie brings the right mix of vision, experience, and heart to lead this beloved festival into the future.”
Mooney will assume her new role in July and the public can expect additional announcements about the dates for BLINK 2026 and the event’s “Call to Artists” in the next few weeks.
About the Cincinnati Regional Chamber
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber is the premier business and civic organization dedicated to growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. To achieve its vision that Cincinnati is a growing, thriving region where everyone belongs, the Chamber seeks to grow our economy, grow our population, and grow our cultural vibrancy – with the foundation of a strong business community – to foster a welcoming environment for all. The Chamber’s membership offerings, signature leadership programs, government and regional advocacy efforts, community events such as BLINK and Oktoberfest as well as key partnerships with organizations like Cincinnati Experience, Cincinnati Compass, Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator, and the Workforce Innovation Center lead the way in making that vision a reality. For more information, visit www.cincinnatichamber.com.
Media Contact:
Amy Fitzgibbons, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Cincinnati Regional Chamber afitzgibbons@cincinnatichamber.com | 513.579.3106
