Why do we need a Cultural Plan? What will the Cultural Plan do?
We know that diverse opportunities to experience arts, culture, and the environment are key to creating a vibrant and prosperous community. For the first time in its history, we created the Cultural Plan to ensure arts and culture in the community is living up to its full potential. This processwas exceptionally collaborative, evaluated existing resources, and examined the needs and desires of residents from across Akron’s 24 neighborhoods.
The Cultural Plan provides well-defined next steps and processes designed to promote an equitable, world-class cultural environment, advance cultural diversity, increase opportunities to create culture, and provide vibrant experiences for all residents and visitors.
Who Paid for the cultural plan?
Two of the region’s key grantmakers, GAR Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, came together to fully fund this work. In addition to the foresight of our gracious funders, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and his administration have offered their support to the planning process as well, though no public money is funding the project.
Who is in charge of the plan?
We all are. Nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, neighbors, and residents all have a role to play in executing this fifteen year plan.
ArtsNow has committed to stewarding the check-ins and reports to gauge progress.