ArtsNow

08/28/2026

🎟️ Early Bird tickets for State of the Arts ends this weekend, August 31 at midnight!

Join us on Wednesday, October 14 at House Three Thirty for an evening celebrating the people, ideas and creativity shaping arts and culture across Summit County.

Purchase here: https://bit.ly/4y55w7Z

08/25/2026

Danielle Dieterich's commitment to supporting artists, strengthening our creative ecosystem and helping ensure artists have the resources and advocacy they deserve is something worth celebrating!

We’re grateful for the impact she’s made, and excited to see what’s ahead. ✨

As we get ready for National Arts in Education Week next month, we're shining a spotlight on AFTA member Danielle Dieterich. ✨

As Executive Director of the Cuyahoga Valley Arts Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio for the last decade, Danielle ran a visual arts center reaching 1,300 students a year. Her own path began in an arts-integrated public school program and led her, as a first-generation college student, into arts administration. This fall, she becomes a full-time arts law student.

Earlier this summer, we spoke with Danielle at AFTACON about what arts education made possible for her — and why it still matters today.

📖 Read the Q&A in our August newsletter: https://bit.ly/4y1C6b1
🤝 Become a professional member: https://bit.ly/2GlH23u

08/21/2026

Your vote could help recognize a local artist! 🎨
Visit the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center’s 41st Annual Juried Exhibition and cast your free vote for the People’s Choice Awards. Explore an outstanding collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and works on paper, then choose the pieces that inspire you most!

The exhibition is on display through September 10, with People’s Choice winners announced during the Artists Reception on Friday, August 28, from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center - CVAC

08/17/2026

Congratulations to Hudson Inclusive Playground on the opening of the new inclusive playground at Oak Grove Park!

As a 2024 ArtsForward grant recipient, Hudson Inclusive Playground received $10,000 to help bring this vision to life, creating a welcoming space where children and families of all abilities can play, connect and belong.

We’re proud to see this important Cultural Plan priority come to life and grateful to the many partners who helped make it possible, including City of Hudson, Ohio - Government, Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board, Akron Community Foundation, GAR Foundation, Knight Foundation and Summit County Executive's Office!

Watch the News 5 Cleveland story:

Summit County's first fully inclusive playground opens Sunday at Oa...

08/14/2026

📣Last chance to apply!

Have an idea that could bring creativity, connection and new energy to a Summit County neighborhood?

ArtsNow’s 2026 Placemaking Project Grants with City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office and Summit County Land Bank will provide up to $10,000 per grant to support projects that use arts and culture to activate public spaces, strengthen neighborhoods and bring communities together.

Ready to bring your idea to life?

Apply today at our granting portal: artsnow.org/grants

Learn more here: artsnow.org/grants/placemaking-project-grants-overview

Applications are due August 16 at 11:59 p.m.

08/07/2026

Strengthen community connections. Increase access to the arts. Create memorable cultural experiences.

This is what the Creative Placemaking Grant program set out to do, and the recipients bring that mission to life with every initiative. Thanks to partnerships with the Summit County Land Bank and the City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office, these grants help bring our communities to life.

Have an idea? Apply here: https://artsnow.org/grants/placemaking-project-grants-overview/

Photo Credit: Akron Art Museum

08/05/2026

The mission of the Creative Placemaking Grants is to activate public spaces, bring people together, and increase access to the arts in neighborhoods throughout Summit County. Thanks to a partnership with the Summit County Land Bank and the City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office, these grants make vibrant places to live, work and play a reality in Summit County.

Ready to apply? Visit https://artsnow.org/grants/placemaking-project-grants-overview/.

Photo Credit: Akron Symphonic Winds

08/03/2026

"Creative placemaking is not only about transforming spaces; it's about transforming relationships. Through Words & Action, artists, residents, and community leaders discovered that every conversation, every idea, and every act of collaboration helps build a stronger civic future." – Akron Black Actors Guild

Through generous partnerships with the City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office and Summit County Land Bank, the Placemaking Project Grants provide direct support to projects that advance efforts aligned with The Cultural Plan across Summit County.

Have an idea for your community? Applications are open: https://artsnow.org/grants/placemaking-project-grants-overview/

Photo Credit: Video306

08/01/2026

Grant applications are now open! Apply in our grant portal: artsnow.org/grants/

Thanks to our partnership with the Summit County Land Bank and support from the City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office, these grants help artists, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and community partners turn local ideas into meaningful community impact.