ArtsNow Events

April 30, 2024 | 12:00-1:00pm | Online

YOUR GUIDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA BEST PRACTICES IN THE CREATIVE SECTOR

In this virtual workshop, Grace Carter, Jade Houston, and Chloe Redman will equip you with all the tools you need to appropriately credit artists’ work on social media.

Who should attend?
Marketing, communication, and social media leadership interested in simplifying best practices for citing and engaging artists and arts nonprofit work online.

May 1, 2024 | 3:00-4:30pm | Akron Art Museum/Online

ARTS & CULTURE INCLUSION COUNCIL PRESENTS – DEMENTIA FRIENDS

Living well with a dementia diagnosis is possible. With the rate of diagnosis increasing dramatically in the state of Ohio and across the country, reducing stigma, addressing myths and misinformation, and supporting individual purpose and community participation is the work of all of us. Become a Dementia Friend and discover the important role you and your organization can play in building the dementia-inclusive community.

In this workshop, facilitated by Barb White and hosted by the Arts & Culture Inclusion Council, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of dementia but also learn how to implement flexible, responsive communication and environmental strategies for continuing to engage those living with a dementia diagnosis (and their care partners) in the work of your organization and in a life of purpose and participation.

Who should attend?
Staff of nonprofits, venues, businesses, financial institutions, governmental agencies, leadership organizations, and anyone who wish to learn more about ensuring a safe and friendly space for those living with dementia and their care partners.

June 12, 2024 | 12:00pm | Online

ARTS & CULTURE INCLUSION COUNCIL PRESENTS – ACCESSIBILITY AT OUTDOOR ARTS EVENTS

In this virtual lunch & learn, Summit DD will present on how to improve accessibility at outdoor arts events- festivals, concerts, craft fairs, etc.

September 4, 2024 | 12:00pm | Online

ARTS & CULTURE INCLUSION COUNCIL PRESENTS – ACCESSIBILITY AT INDOOR ARTS EVENTS

In this virtual lunch & learn, Summit DD will present on how to improve accessibility at indoor arts events- gallery exhibitions, theatrical performances, etc.

September 19, 2024 | 12:00-1:30pm | Hybrid (Zoom/In-Person)

ARTS & CULTURE INCLUSION COUNCIL PRESENTS – ARTISTIC FUNDING DEMYSTIFIED

In this professional development session tailored for artists, participants will:

• Discover how to identify and capitalize on grant opportunities offered by partners like the Knight Foundation
• Explore innovative techniques for building and engaging a sustainable audience for your artistic endeavors
• Acquire practical tools and insights to advance your career and thrive in the competitive arts landscape through audience and patron engagement
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of fiscal sponsorship and its benefits for artists

OCTOBER | TBD | TBD

2024 PLACEMAKING CONFERENCE

More details coming soon!

April 18, 2024 | 3:00-4:30 pm | The Knight Stage at the Akron Civic Theatre

100 DAYS OF IMPACT: AN AFTERNOON WITH ELECTED LEADERS

The arts, culture, and environment sector is invited to meet and engage with Summit County elected officials on Thursday, April 18th at 3:00 PM.

Who should attend?
Artists, venue owners, and nonprofit staff and board members from the arts and culture sector in Summit County.

April 10, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | Online

ARTSFORWARD GRANT APPLICATION WEBINAR

Are you a first-time applicant or need a refresher on the ArtsForward grant application? Join Nicole Mullet and ArtsNow for an overview.

April 4, 2024 | 12:00-1:00pm | Online

ARTS & CULTURE INCLUSION COUNCIL PRESENTS – REPRESENTATION MATTERS: PHOTOGRAPHY AND AD SPEND

In this virtual workshop, Rob Greer, Tyron Hoisten, and Elizabeth Tipton will discuss why representation matters in advertising and content creation, drawing on their recent experience participating in ArtsNow’s SEEN initiative. This panel will be moderated by a member of the Arts & Culture Inclusion Council.

Who should attend?
Nonprofit and for-profit leadership and marketing/communication professionals interested in learning about SEEN and participating in a conversation about the importance of authenticity and representation in our work.

March 19, 2024 | 3:00-4:00pm | Online

MONKEYPOD, TOOLS FOR NONPROFITS

Join us for an exclusive professional development session tailored for nonprofits seeking to enhance their operational efficiency and amplify their impact through innovative technology. MonkeyPod is your all-in-one solution, offering a seamlessly integrated platform encompassing accounting, donor management, CRM, email marketing, online fundraising, grant management, and more – a true nonprofit-in-a-box.

Who should attend?
Executive Directors/Presidents/CEOs/Finance Leadership from micro, small, and mid-sized nonprofits interested in a platform designed by and for nonprofits.

February 15, 2024 | 12:00-1:00pm | Online

MEMBERSHIP MAGIC: TRANSFORMING ONE-TIME PARTICIPANTS INTO LIFELONG SUPPORTERS

Join us for an insightful Lunch and Learn session on the art of building loyalty with Jim Sector, who has resurrected subscription bases at organizations ranging from Tuesday Musical to The Cleveland Orchestra. In this one-hour session, Jim will share case studies and guide you through best practices in driving sustainable revenue through loyalty: discussing subscription and membership models, sharing practical strategies to turn one-time participants into regular attendees, and upgrading regular attendees to higher levels of engagement (including donations). Discover the latest trends shaping the landscape and have your questions answered in a candid Q&A session.

October 17, 2023 | 12:00-1:00pm | Online

LUNCH & LEARN: ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS WITH STUDENT EXHIBITIONS

Business leaders will learn how they can partner with emerging artists from The University of Akron Myers School of Art to present high-quality art exhibitions in otherwise empty spaces.

Seniors at The University of Akron Myers School of Art are required to present a solo exhibition at a local/regional venue of their choosing to complete their B.F.A. degree. ArtsNow and The University of Akron Myers School of Art are partnering to connect students with local businesses to help procure space for B.F.A. shows. In turn, students procure space to complete this degree requirement and local businesses solve the common problem of filling empty spaces.

November 16, 2023 | 3:30-5:00pm | Online

DEIA ADVISORY BOARD PRESENTS PRIVILEGE AND IMPLICIT BIAS

Get ready for a transformative experience as the Arts & Culture DEIA Advisory Board presents an unforgettable workshop with the brilliant Fedearia Nicolson-Sweval PH.D. This is Part Two of a series that delves into the crucial work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and you won’t want to miss a minute of it. With Dr. Sweval as your guide, you’ll explore the complex lens of privilege and implicit bias, and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be authentic and empathetic in a rapidly changing world.

June 21, 2023 | 4:00-6:00pm | Two-Part Event

Summer: Artist & Creatives Sector Update

Celebrate with us a special night in Barberton exploring the great work happening at Magical Theater Co. and White Rabbit Galleries. The evening begins with quarterly update at Magical Theater Co. for artists, organizations and community members and then we will head over to White Rabbit Galleries for a tour featuring the 2nd annual “Down the Rabbit Hole” show.

May 18, 2023 | 4:00-5:30pm | Summit ArtSpace

Teaching Artists Workshop

Calling all teaching artists in Summit County! Get ready to take your career to the next level with the Teach Artist Workshop! This is your chance to join the Ohio Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster and showcase your artistic excellence to the world. With expert guidance and real-time support, you’ll learn how to apply for this prestigious roster, and gain the tools and resources you need to engage students and captivate audiences. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this workshop will help you stand out from the crowd and showcase your talent to the world. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the ranks of Ohio’s top teaching artists – sign up now!

April 13, 2023 | 4:00-5:30pm | Online (*Note new location)

Arts & Culture Advocacy Training

R Strategy Group principals, Jeff Rusnak and Kathy Berta, bring unique insight to the needs of Summit County’s arts & culture sector, its stakeholders, and the broader ecosystem in which the sector operates. They have professional expertise in advocacy and communications, and have directed successful arts advocacy efforts in Ohio.

ArtsNow is excited to welcome advocacy firm, R Strategy Group, to offer an advocacy training specifically designed for Summit County’s Arts & Culture Sector organizations and community leaders. Learn why advocacy is important for artists and arts organizations, how to implement strategies and tactics for working with policymakers and fostering those relationships and produce ways to start proactively advocating for Summit County’s arts & culture sector.

March 30, 2023 | 4:30-6:00pm | Summit ArtSpace

Arts & Culture Town Hall for Akron Mayoral Candidates

Join the Akron mayoral candidates on Thursday, March 30th at Summit Artspace for a town hall focused on arts and culture. With the arts and culture industry in the Akron metropolitan statistical area (MSA) being valued at $1.4 billion, investing in this sector can financially support local artists and contribute to overall economic growth. On March 30th, candidates will have the opportunity to engage with voters from the Akron arts and culture community and share their platform on the topic.

The town hall is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Don’t miss this chance to join the conversation!

March 15, 2023 | 4:00-5:00pm | Summit ArtSpace

Spring: Artist & Creatives Sector Update

Artist Hubs are vital for our sector! Wednesday, March 15th join us in building a stronger arts, culture and environment sector of Summit County through ArtsNow quarterly updates. Hosted by Summit ArtSpace this will be a time for artists, organizations and community members to collaborate and enjoy each other’s innovative input. All galleries available for touring in Summit ArtSpace after the meeting.

December 15, 2022 | 5:00-7:00pm | Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S Main St., Akron OH

State of the Arts: Connecting Arts, Culture & Community in Summit County

We are thrilled with the opportunity to share highlights from the arts, culture, and environmental sector – from initiatives and accomplishments over the year to insights on what opportunities await us in the future.