News & Press

Akron, OH – State and Federal Communications, in partnership with ArtsNow, hosted a special reception celebrating the installation of artwork by Summit County and local-based artist Jennifer Vincik at the State and Federal Communications headquarters in downtown Akron. The reception, held on Thurs., Oct. 9, 2025, highlighted State and Federal Communications’ ongoing investment in the […] Read Article

DOWNTOWN AKRON — Surrounded by the works of local artists as part of the ArtsNow Artistic Excellence Exhibition, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro delivered her seventh State of the County Address Oct. 1 at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron. The annual event is sponsored by the Akron Press Club, and the proceeds […] Read Article

Art activists, residents and organization leaders gathered in the East End’s Goodyear Hall Wednesday morning to pose questions and discuss the sustainability of arts and culture in Akron. From the untapped potential of the arts to the impact of federal funding cuts on local arts, culture and entertainment, panelists answered questions about the growing arts and […] Read Article

AKRON — Free public film screenings from the “Akron Stories” project are coming to local theaters across the city, courtesy of Art x Love with support from ArtsNow’s ArtsForward grant program. “In 2019, we started interviewing rubber workers and their descendants as part of a grassroots initiative to collect, preserve and share the stories of […] Read Article

As Akron celebrates its bicentennial, we are called to reflect on not just where we’ve been, but also where we’re going. Over the past decade, Akron’s arts, culture and environmental sector has worked hard to prove that when trusted with investment, we over-deliver. Read Article

Akron was recognized as one of ten All-America City Award winners. The National Civic League presented this honor to recognize Akron’s community-driven efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability and for its civic infrastructure—the network of relationships, partnerships, and capacities driving effective decision-making and problem-solving. This win marks the city’s fourth All-America City award. Read Article

AKRON, OH (June 17, 2025) – ArtsNow, the backbone arts and culture agency for Summit County, is proud to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors, with terms beginning July 1, 2025. The incoming directors—Chris Anderson, Nicole Chavers, and J. Rita McNeil Danish—bring with them a deep commitment to community, […] Read Article

Akron, Ohio (June 24, 2025) – ArtsNow, the backbone arts and culture agency for Summit County, is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the ArtsForward grant program.  Now in its third year, ArtsForward is designed to support projects and programs that directly advance the priorities outlined in the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan. Since launching its […] Read Article

Akron, OH, (May 1, 2025) – ArtsNow and the Summit County Land Bank are proud to announce the recipients of their 2025 Placemaking Grants.  These grants support projects that activate public spaces, bringing people together and increasing access to the arts in neighborhoods throughout Summit County.  “This incredible group of grantees reflects the creative energy, […] Read Article

AKRON, Ohio — Musicians, dancers, actors and artists are some of the more than 15,000 creative industry workers who entertain people in Summit and Portage counties. Nicole Mullet, executive director of the nonprofit ArtsNow, said arts and culture generate nearly $3 billion in economic impact to the area annually. “What we do know is that […] Read Article