ArtsNow Events

January 23, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm | Virtual

BRIDGING ART AND HEALING: THERAPEUTIC ART VS. ART THERAPY

Join Michelle Epps and Cheryl Pete for a free professional development session, Therapeutic Art: Mental Health First Aid. Designed for artists, arts administrators, and mental health support professionals, this session explores how therapeutic art practices can teach valuable social and emotional skills to community members. Participants will learn practical tools to foster self-expression and creativity, while also gaining a clear understanding of the distinction between therapeutic art and art therapy.

Only licensed art therapists can provide art therapy services, but this session will equip you to incorporate therapeutic art practices in your community work. Whether you’re in the arts or mental health field, this session offers valuable insights into the healing potential of art as a supportive resource.

February 5, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm | Knight Stage at the Akron Civic Theatre

QUARTERLY CREATIVE SUMMIT

Join us for ArtsNow’s quarterly lunches, a series of networking and learning events designed for the entire arts and culture sector in Summit County. These lunches provide an opportunity to connect with fellow artists, cultural leaders, and arts and culture enthusiasts, share insights, and collaborate on initiatives that enrich our community. Each event will feature a guest speaker and ample time for networking.

February 27, 2025 | 5:00-8:00PM | The Knight Stage at Akron Civic Theatre

HARMONY OF INCLUSION: A WINTER BENEFIT FOR ARTS & CULTURE

The Arts and Culture Inclusion Council, in collaboration with ArtsNow, is poised to illuminate the path toward a more inclusive and equitable arts and culture landscape in Summit County. Our upcoming Winter Benefit Event, “Harmony of Inclusion,” is designed not just as a celebration but as a catalyst for change, aiming to deepen our impact in the realms of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Join us on February 27, 2025, at 5 pm for an event that transcends traditional boundaries, engaging community in a shared mission to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment within the arts.

March 6, 2025 | 5:00-8:00pm | The Workz

SUMMITLIVE365 ARTIST MEETUP

Join us for an inspiring evening of creativity and collaboration at our SummitLive365 Artist Meetup! Whether you’re a painter, photographer, musician, or mixed media creator, this is your chance to connect with fellow artists, share your work, and spark new ideas. Light refreshments will be provided.

April 23, 2025 | 4:00-5:30PM | Akron Art Museum

100 DAYS OF IMPACT: AN AFTERNOON WITH ELECTED LEADERS

We invite Summit County elected officials to join leaders from the arts, culture, and environment sectors for an exclusive opportunity to strengthen relationships, explore shared priorities, and engage in meaningful dialogue. This event will foster connections with the organizations and individuals driving creative and environmental change in our community, offering insights into how these sectors contribute to economic growth, education, and quality of life.

May 14, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm | Virtual

ARTSNOW PRESENTS: PROJECT BUDGETS

Are you ready to start fundraising for your project or idea, but don’t know what and how much to ask for? If preparing a budget for your foundation grant is holding you back, come learn the basic elements of how to draft a project budget with confidence.

This class will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to generate a standard project budget for a foundation proposal. We will discuss:

The components of a project budget include:
-Income and expenses
-How to estimate the realistic cost of a project?
-What other financial documents you may also need to submit with your proposal?

June 4, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm | Summit Artspace

QUARTERLY CREATIVE SUMMIT

Join us for ArtsNow’s quarterly lunches, a series of networking and learning events designed for the entire arts and culture sector in Summit County. These lunches provide an opportunity to connect with fellow artists, cultural leaders, and arts and culture enthusiasts, share insights, and collaborate on initiatives that enrich our community. Each event will feature a guest speaker and ample time for networking.

July 10, 2025 | 3:00-4:30pm | Virtual

ARTSNOW PRESENTS: MAINTAINING PUBLIC ART

Join ArtsNow and Lindsay Jones, owner of Blind Eye Restoration, for an engaging and informative workshop focused on the maintenance of public art. This free event is designed for a diverse audience, including city officials, artists, and anyone interested in preserving the vibrancy of public art installations.

In this workshop, participants will gain valuable insights into effective strategies and best practices for maintaining and restoring public art. Attendees will learn how to protect these cultural treasures, ensuring they remain visually appealing and relevant for years to come.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in the care of public art, contributing to the lasting beauty and significance of our community’s artistic expressions. We look forward to seeing you there!

August 6, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm | Virtual

ARTSNOW PRESENTS: AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Join ArtsNow and Leah Michalos, the accomplished owner of Michalos Management, LLC, for a free workshop focused on audience development. This event is tailored for arts organizations, event planners, and community leaders who are dedicated to enhancing engagement and support for their artistic initiatives.

During this workshop, participants will explore a comprehensive range of topics essential for attracting and retaining enthusiastic supporters for arts events. From innovative marketing strategies to effective programming techniques, you will gain valuable insights into how to create compelling experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert and network with fellow arts professionals. We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring session that will empower you to elevate your arts events to new heights!

September 18, 2025 | 4:00-6:00pm | Mustard Seed – Highland Square

SUMMIT COUNTRY ARTS & CULTURE MEETUP

Join us for a casual gathering to welcome artists and arts administrators new to Summit County and reconnect with familiar faces. This event has no formal agenda—simply come as you are, meet new colleagues, and catch up with old friends. It’s the perfect opportunity to strengthen your creative community connections in a relaxed setting.

December 3, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm | TBA

QUARTERLY CREATIVE SUMMIT

Join us for ArtsNow’s quarterly lunches, a series of networking and learning events designed for the entire arts and culture sector in Summit County. These lunches provide an opportunity to connect with fellow artists, cultural leaders, and arts and culture enthusiasts, share insights, and collaborate on initiatives that enrich our community. Each event will feature a guest speaker and ample time for networking.

December 12, 2024 | 5:00-7:00pm | The Cabaret House at House Three-Thirty

AN EVENING WITH ARTISTS: AN ARTSFORWARD FUNDRAISER

Get ready for an unforgettable night of creativity, connection, and inspiration by local artists! Join us for an exclusive evening of passionate short talks—by local artists as they reveal the behind-the-scenes stories of their creative journeys and their latest ArtsForward-supported projects.

Expect captivating performances, surprises, and plenty of wow moments throughout the night.
Indulge in delicious hors d’oeuvres, sip on your favorite drink, and enjoy the chance to mingle with fellow art enthusiasts and the brilliant minds at the heart of these projects.

Together, we’ll celebrate the transformative impact of ArtsForward’s inaugural year and get an exciting sneak peek at what’s on the horizon. Let’s toast to art, creativity, and the vibrant future ahead! 

Alicia’s work has been featured across Ohio in various venues. Her dynamic approach empowers individuals to tell their stories, educate others, and raise awareness on important topics. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about advocacy, art, and storytelling.

November 14, 2024 | 3:00-4:30pm | Virtual

ARTS & CULTURE INCLUSION COUNCIL PRESENTS – AUDACITY2SPEAK

Join Alicia Hopkins and colleagues as they discuss her upcoming book, Audacity2Speak, available in Summer 2024. This event is a platform for advocacy, community engagement, and storytelling.

About Audacity2Speak
Alicia’s book explores her journey of overcoming obstacles, changing perspectives, and becoming an artist, author, and advocate.

November 7, 2024 | 7:30AM-4:30PM

2024 CREATIVE PLACEMAKING CONFERENCE

“Placemaking builds connections, creates civic engagement, and empowers citizens.” – Akron/Summit Cultural Plan, 2020

Presented by The Summit County Land Bank and ArtsNow — Join us for this dynamic one-day conference designed to explore creative placemaking from ideation to execution. Through engaging panel discussions and talks, we’ll dive into key areas of this community-driven initiative. Seize this chance to be a part of a network that’s reimagining and revitalizing our local spaces. Meet us at House Three-Thirty— and let’s turn ideas into action and visions into reality together!

September 19, 2024 | 12:00-1:30pm | Virtual

ARTS & CULTURE INCLUSION COUNCIL PRESENTS – FUNDING ROADMAP FOR ARTISTS

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.