meetNKY, Visit Cincy and The Purple People Bridge Reveal New State Line Mural
Collaborative effort shares love from both states on Purple People Bridge
PHOTOS/VIDEO AVAILABLE FOR USE
NEWPORT, Ky. (November 22, 2023) – meetNKY, Visit Cincy, The Purple People Bridge and artist Matt Grote proudly revealed a new mural, “Where We Connect,” along the state line on the Purple People Bridge during a special celebration and press event on November 21, 2023.
The mural is located on the Purple People Bridge, spanning the state line — a place where North meets South and where Kentucky and Ohio connect. meetNKY, Visit Cincy and The Purple People Bridge worked with local artist Matt Grote on a unique way to showcase the eclectic nature of our region and the elements that make both sides of the river special. The new mural portrays our rare American destination that blends the German heritage and urban vibrancy of Cincinnati with the Southern charm and cool quirkiness of Northern Kentucky.
It was an important collaboration for meetNKY and Visit Cincy,” said meetNKY President and CEO, Julie Kirkpatrick. “Sometimes the Ohio River can serve as a divide between the two states, but with this mural, we are thrilled to showcase how art has the power to bridge communities and unite both sides of the river, celebrating what truly makes our region outstanding.”
The team at Visit Cincy agrees with meetNKY’s sentiment. “The fact that Cincinnati has become a regional tourism hot spot can’t be denied,” says Julie Calvert, CTA President & CEO of Visit Cincy. “It’s collaborations like these, with local artists, that really add to the color of our city on both sides of the river. In this case, directly in the middle.”
The mural is an ode to the region, one of brilliant contrasts and collaborations, where residents all agree on the Reds, Bengals and FC Cincinnati, but agree to disagree on their favorite college teams. This is a place where residents love their beer and bourbon, as well as Cincinnati-style chili. This mural reinforces that when our cultures on both sides of the river collide, it creates a wildly different, yet easily accessible experience for everyone.
Visitors are encouraged to see the new mural for themselves and snap a picture at this state line and tag #VisitCincy and #PurplePeopleBridge.
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About meetNKY
meetNKY drives quality of life and economic growth for Northern Kentucky through tourism marketing and destination development. Learn more at meetnky.com.
About Visit Cincy
Visit Cincy connects the Cincinnati Region's people and experiences with visitors and meeting attendees from around the world. The destination marketing organization is supported by nearly 500 businesses that join together in making Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the Cincy Region a world-class destination by offering their services, attractions, and facilities to visitors, meeting planners, and convention attendees. For more information, go to VisitCincy.com.
About The Purple People Bridge
The Purple People Bridge connects the communities of Newport, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio together as a safe and well-maintained regional attraction that serves as a historic landmark, people connector, recreational trail, event space, and an iconic community asset that improves economic development and quality of life on both sides of the Ohio River. A pedestrian-only bridge that stretches ½ mile across the Ohio River. Today the Bridge is the longest connector of its kind in the country and has linked both Kentucky and Ohio together since 1872.