ArtsNow Grant Programs
Photo Credit (Akron Art Museum, Ilenia Pezzaniti)
ArtsNow is proud to offer a range of unique grant opportunities to support the arts and culture sector in Summit County, aligned with the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan. These grants aim to foster creativity, enhance cultural experiences, and support community development.
Grant Portal Log-in
ArtsForward
The ArtsForward program invites applications for projects that advance the goals of the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan. A diverse committee of funders, civic leaders, artists, and content experts will review applications. Grants will be awarded up to $25,000.
Applications Open: March 1, 2025
Deadline: April 1, 2025 – 11:59PM
Placemaking Grants
The Placemaking Project Grants are made available through generous investments from the National Endowment for the Arts and in partnership with the Summit County Land Bank.
All applications, attachments, and work samples will be submitted through ArtsNow’s online grant platform. This is an online, written application.
This funding provides direct support to artists and arts/cultural organizations working in Summit County communities. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000. Eligible projects can include, but are not limited to:
- Arts festivals, music, dance, literary or theatrical performances, or workshops.
- Art, movement, literature/poetry, or music therapy programming.
- Writing or visual art activities.
- Projects must be held in public spaces such as parks, libraries, community centers, and neighborhood greenspaces.
Applications Open: February 1, 2025
Deadline: March 1, 2025 – 11:59PM
Public Arts in Cuyahoga Falls
Description: ArtsNow is seeking applications for public art projects in the city of Cuyahoga Falls, supported by a generous $30,000 contribution from the City of Cuyahoga Falls.
Applications Open: March 1, 2025
Deadline: April 1, 2025 – 11:59pm
Details and application are available on the grant portal.
Creative Investment Program
The Creative Investment Program (CIP) offers professional development grants of up to $2,500 to individual artists and creatives in Summit County. The goal is to support skill-building and professional growth for artists in the region.
Applications Open: Fall 2025
Scoring Rubric – COMING SOON
How to Apply
Applications are available through the portal and will include detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application instructions. We encourage all potential applicants to review these guidelines carefully to ensure their projects align with the goals of each program.
ArtsNow is committed to fostering a thriving arts community in Summit County, and we look forward to supporting innovative, impactful projects in 2025.
Contact Information
Email: Grants@ArtsNow.org
“The funding community recognized the immense potential of the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan and knew it was time to ignite that vision. We’re excited to expand the ArtsNow Grant Program, which will fuel creativity, enrich cultural experiences, and drive immense growth for our sector in Summit County.” – Nicole Mullet