ArtsNow is a nonprofit organization that works to leverage the arts and culture in Summit County to support and strengthen the region’s economic and social vibrancy.

A cultural plan is a living document intended to examine and strengthen the soul of a community through the exploration of arts, humanities, culture, natural resources, and heritage throughout all neighborhoods of Akron- and now across the county!

The cultural plan developed a vision and recommendations on how the residents, organizations, and businesses can build upon our collective history and create the path to our future. ArtsNow, an independent nonprofit organization, received private resources from GAR Foundation and Knight Foundation to work together with the City of Akron, artists, cultural organizations, regional experts, and community residents to collect data and public input to inform the cultural plan.

Since the adoption of the work by Akron residents, we’ve seen communities across the county make this work their own. While the implementation of the priorities will look differently in each community, the priorities serve as our constant north star.

Learn more here

Projects can be submitted from anywhere in Summit County but must be attached to a specific priority and impact our Summit County communities.

Your nonprofit can request up to $25,000.

1. Equity

2. Access

3. Education

4. Talent

5. Engagement

6. Resources

7. Connections

8. Placemaking

9. Economic Impact

10. Public Art

Nonprofits in Summit County. For those who are not operating a nonprofit, join us for the April 10, 2024 webinar. Registration for the webinar is listed above!

Photo coming when applications open on April 1, 2024.

Round One: Three simple steps.

1. Share your ArtsForward idea

2. Identify what Akron/Summit Cultural Plan priority/priorities you’re working to advance

3. Choose your budget range

*Round One closes April 30th, 2024. Those invited to move on to Round Two will be notified by June 4, 2024.

For applicants who’ve been approved to move on to the second round, the application will be more robust. We’ll want to ensure your partners are secured, a budget is developed and finalized, and a timeline is complete. ArtsForward is a two-phased application process.

*Those invited to submit a full application will be notified by June 4, 2024. Applications will be due June 30, 2024 by 11:59pm.

With the launch of this program, ArtsNow’s first piloted funding arm, its team put together a list of additional support resources for artists and nonprofits.

Round one opened on April 1 and closes on April 30, 2024. Full applications for those selected will open June 4-June 30, 2024, and grants will be announced in August 2024.

If you are seeking general operating dollars or support for a commissioned project, please contact artsforward@artsnow.org to learn about local, state, and national resources that may be a match for your project.

Artist entrepreneurs are welcome to apply, but will need a nonprofit partner to serve as a fiscal sponsor. Need a fiscal sponsorship? ArtsNow has contracted with Summit Artspace to help support our local artists. Learn more at SummitArtspace.org.

The ArtsNow staff doesn’t participate in the ArtsForward grant selection process.

ArtsForward's distribution committee consists of respected artists, community leaders, and Summit County residents who will ensure that the program's investments align with the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan's key priorities. This commitment to community involvement and engagement is what makes our community a special place to live and work.

Click here to find your path to the application!