Sundance recognized Cincinnati's strengths. Why doesn't everyone else?
Last summer, I left Ghost Baby with an official from the Sundance Film Festival. They were bubbling with excitement after hearing a riveting panel discussion by leaders in our arts community about why Sundance would be a perfect fit with what we're already building here in Cincinnati.
"Seth, I can't figure it out," they said. "Why does the world not know about Cincinnati?"
With the disappointing news last week that Sundance did not select Cincinnati − right on the heels of the Variety article that infamously asked 'What's iconic about Cincinnati?"− I have reflected more and more on this statement.
Why doesn't the world know about Cincinnati?
More: 'The next 'it' city': City leaders hopeful despite losing Sundance Film Festival
Those of us who call Cincinnati home know what an incredible city we live in. We have an incredible arts community that provides more economic impact than our three historic, major-league sports teams that also more than pull their weight in this category.
We have world-class parks and a riverfront. We are home to countless amazing events that bring Cincinnati to life every year, including Reds Opening Day, BLINK, Oktoberfest and the Cincinnati Music Festival. Our architecture, from our iconic Music Hall to the Museum Center − the model for the Hall of Justice that just hosted the set for the upcoming "Superman" movie − is top-notch.
We have it all. We have more than many cities twice our size. But the stereotypes, negativity and condescension that became even clearer throughout the Sundance selection process continue to haunt us and hold us back.
We need to refocus and answer the question: 'Why doesn't the world know about Cincinnati?'
More: Pureval heading to Sundance with 'full charm offensive' as he gets first look
I'm so proud that we made it so far in Sundance's consideration. I know that their decision was hard, and we were a real contender up until the final minutes. When the news broke last summer that we were in the final six, many told me they thought we were just there as a placeholder. But we were right there in the mix until the very end of the process.
Despite the condescension of some around the country, the disappointment this week shows how seriously Sundance took us as a potential home for their festival. And how seriously we took ourselves.
Now, it's time to build on the positive recognition we received and continue to show the world the great city Cincinnati is.
The pride we have in Cincinnati cannot live and die by how others view us. Our pride in our city should inspire others to want to come here. People should want to move here, host their internationally renowned event here, or headquarter their Fortune 500 company here because they know the iconic and vibrant city we are.
We must continue to build on the ambitious vision for our future that inspired us to apply for Sundance in the first place with investment in world-class infrastructure, continuing to build a pro-growth culture in the city, top-tier recruitment strategies, and a marketing strategy that will correct or erase the perception that 'nothing seems cool' about Cincinnati.
Cincinnati is iconic. And it's time the world knew that.
Councilman Seth Walsh is in his third year on Cincinnati City Council. Before his time on City Council, Walsh worked in community economic development in the neighborhoods of Sedamsville and College Hill, leading the effort to revitalize the College Hill Business District as the executive director of the College Hill CURC.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati is iconic despite not landing Sundance | Opinion
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