The late, great Wally Ollins said this: It's the inevitable paradox: the more the world goes global, the more we prize the local and the authentic. Continuously recognized for its low-cost of living and high quality of life, the Queen City is quickly becoming a place more and more people are proud to call home. Yet, longtime residents and new recruits agree that Cincinnati is often overlooked or misperceived by those who've yet to experience all the city has to offer. As development continues throughout the urban core, and the mass of civic-minded doers continues to grow, Cincinnatians have an opportunity to seriously consider the story they'd like to share with the rest of the world.

This workshop will prompt participants to consider the perceptions that shape Cincinnati's story today; the existing assets that might contribute to shaping a story for the future; and how designers are uniquely positioned to impact and influence the city's identity.