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PRIORITY #4: TALENT Support the Talent Development of Akron/Summit’s Culture Creators

In Akron/Summit, we believe that artists and creators are core to the health of our city and are beloved community members who deserve the opportunity to make a home in Akron and Summit County. 

In a thriving arts ecosystem, all participants have access to the resources they need to succeed in their work, and there are many types of success. Together, we must make success available at all levels of development and encourage artists and creatives to grow in their craft and profession.

Together, we have work to do.

Throughout the priorities, you’ll see each labeled with the potential investment required ($ to $$$$) and next steps including, “Implement (I),” “Explore (E),” “Expand (X),” and “Promote (P).”

(Banner photo: Crafty Mart Pop Up Shop on the 3rd floor of Summit Artspace during the Downtown Akron Artwalk; Photography by Shane Wynn from Akron Stock.com)

4.1  Art and Entrepreneurs 

Advance the creative entrepreneurship sector through skill-building opportunities and support for artists

  • Financial Empowerment: Leverage the City of Akron and United Way of Summit County’s Financial Empowerment Centers to support financial literacy for artists and makers as individuals, many of whom are compensated as contract professionals. (P, $$)

  • The Business of Art Skills: Offer educational opportunities for the local artist community in areas including: (X, $$$)

    • Communication tools: marketing, social media, press releases;

    • Event development;

    • Pricing structures;

    • Collaboration with nonprofit organizations;

    • Funding opportunities: grant writing, available grants, budget creation, managing a budget, microloans, crowd-sourced lending, traditional loans;

    • Increasing sales;

    • Audience development;

    • Customer discovery and market research; 

    • Licensing of work;

    • Gallery representation; 

    • Working with agents, labels, and industry trends;

    • Accounting practices;

    • Understanding artistic value;

    • Business and financial plan creation;

    • Developing different streams of income;

    • Professional development opportunities for artists to gain insight and skills in their professional field; 

    • How to best utilize an intern;

    • How to be a public artist;

    • How to respond to an RFQ or RFP; 

    • How to acquire appropriate insurance when working in public space; and

    • Other areas as identified in an ongoing way by the creative community. 

  • Akron/Summit Sector Learning: Offer small- to mid-sized arts and culture organizations training on navigating the Akron/Summit arts and culture sector, including opportunities for funding, resources, and sponsorships. (E, $$)

4.2   Peer Learning 

Develop peer learning opportunities designed to build capacity in Akron/Summit’s cultural sector

  • Peer Learning Opportunities: Provide creative peer-to-peer educational opportunities, such as: (E, $$$)

    • Expertise and training in marketing;

    • Best practices in board governance;

    • Best practices in finding resources and funding;

    • General peer-to-peer networking opportunities.

Get involved