ArtsNow Events
Thanks to a partnership with thought leaders across the nation, local experts, and Summit County organizations, ArtsNow is curating a calendar of 2024 events designed to enable more art in more places for more people.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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!
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.
April 23, 2025 | 4:00-5:30PM | Akron Art Museum
100 DAYS OF IMPACT: AN AFTERNOON WITH ELECTED LEADERS
Details coming soon!
Are you an artist in search of low or no-cost professional learning? Check-out our artist-centered partner Summit Artspace to see their offerings.
Summit Artspace is a local artist incubator whose mission is to connect local artists to the resources they need to thrive through affordable studio space, exhibitions, artist care programs, and public programs. With a variety of workshops, multi-week courses, and coaching opportunities, Summit Artspace’s artist care programs are tailored to address artist’s top needs and priorities in developing a sustainable artistic practice.
PAST EVENT FEATURES: 2024
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.
PAST EVENT FEATURES: 2023
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.
PAST EVENT FEATURES: 2022
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.
November 30, 2022 | 4:00-5:00pm | Online
Teach Arts Ohio: Info Session
Join ArtsNow as we host Ohio Arts Council! This event is built to Expand Your Curricular Toolkit: Apply for a Grant to Work with a Teaching Artist!
November 3 | 3:00-4:30pm | Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Branch
DEIA Advisory Board Presents: Dementia Friendly Workshop
Presenter: Dementia Friends Ohio
The number of Ohioans diagnosed with dementia, and their care partners, projected for the coming years is staggering, and ensuring that our arts & culture organizations continue to engage this constituency is a critical component to maintaining the cultural richness and economic growth. Dynamic and thought-provoking, Dementia Friends shared information about the challenges of a dementia diagnosis and strategies for preparing arts & culture spaces—theaters, galleries, parks, and more–to ensure continued, active engagement post-diagnosis. Together we will make the commitment to transform our community, through inclusive communication and service adaptations, and make an abundant life possible for all.
October 27th | 9:00am – 10:30am | Online
Process and Progress: Akron/Summit Cultural Plan
On Thursday, October 27th at 9AM, ArtsNow and partners presented a deep-dive presentation and discussion on the planning and ongoing implementation of the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan. questions.
October 5-6 | 9:00am – 4:00pm | John S. Knight Center
Arts Impact Ohio
Presenter: Ohio Arts Council
Arts Impact Ohio (AIO) provided relevant, action-oriented, forward-looking content for members of the state’s arts and cultural sector. The 2022 conference featured two days of workshop sessions, keynotes, and plenaries; visits to nearby arts and cultural institutions; and opportunities to meet local and national thought leaders, with performances, arts experiences, networking opportunities, and plenty of other celebrations mixed in.
September 14, 2022 | 8:30 am – 1:30 pm | First Glance, 943 Kenmore Blvd., Akron
Arts, Culture, Community Series: Creative Placemaking and Public Art
Presenters: Joel Ratner and LandStudio
Highlighting the intersection of creative placemaking, the arts, and community development, this workshop will include a panel discussion of case studies and a neighborhood walk to find examples of projects. This in-depth talk about the process for how projects would be completed and why collaboration will identify the importance of all organizations and the city having a specific placemaking agenda. Registration coming soon!
September 7, 2022 | 11:30am-12:30pm | Virtual Event via Zoom
Arts, Culture, Community Series: Essential Experiences
Join ArtsNow and Cleveland Arts Education Consortium as we discuss arts and culture education in Akron Public Schools through the lens of Essential Experiences. This conversation will feature Bronlynn Thurman from GAR Foundation and Marcie Ebright from Akron Public Schools as they share outcomes of the first phase of Essential Experiences and discuss the expanded work ahead.