News & Press

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

AKRON, OH – (February 25, 2025) – As ArtsNow celebrates its 10th anniversary, the organization is thrilled to announce the return of ArtsForward for its third year, an initiative dedicated to fueling creativity and cultural vibrancy. Opening for applications on March 1, 2025, ArtsForward provides grant opportunities for artists and arts organizations to develop projects […] Read Article

AKRON, OH (February 23, 2025) – The GAR Foundation has awarded $837,250 in capital grants to 30 organizations in Greater Akron. “These investments ensure that organizations have what they need to achieve their mission-critical objectives,” GAR Foundation President Christine Amer Mayer said in a prepared statement. “From parks and theaters to housing and health services, these […] Read Article

AKRON, OH (February 7, 2025) – The Summit County Land Bank is trying to give away thousands of dollars in grants — and help local groups get money from the state, too, to improve local properties. Read Article

Akron, OH (February 3, 2025) – The Placemaking Program Grants, one of ArtsNow’s granting programs, opened today to provide direct financial support to nonprofit organizations in Summit County.  This grant is made possible because of a $40,000 investment from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) through its prestigious Grants for Arts Projects program which […] Read Article