AKRON, OH (January 9, 2025) – ArtsNow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing arts and culture in Summit County, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Summit County Creative Investment Program.

Now in its third year, this transformative program, generously supported in part by the Ian Patrick Schwarber Foundation, empowers local artists and creatives by providing direct support for their professional growth and development.

This year, 11 individuals were awarded grants totaling $14,737 to help propel their careers and foster their artistic ambitions. Each grant, with a maximum award of $2,500, may be used to cover expenses such as registration fees, admission costs, and travel reimbursement for professional development opportunities.

The recipients are:

• Catherine Grady – Violin Making with Lucas Fabro through Lutherie Academy
• Jennifer Maurer – Music Marketing 101 and Touring 101 from Berklee Online
• Amber Keaton – International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) 16th International Conference–Passport to Transformation: The Expressive Arts as Doorways to Healing
• Randi Mull – Creative Art Therapy
• Molly Harton – Maven Design System Bootcamp (Figma)
• Allyse Love – AIGA Design Conference
• Nicholas Lee – Kent Blossom Art Intensives
• Kyla Decatur – Greenwood Spoon & Bowl Carving class at John C. Carver Folk School
• Summit Choral Society Inc. – Ohio Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference
• Nicole Kurtz – Adobe Captivate Training and Certification
• Nova Stewart – Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability Conference

“We are excited to see the continued growth of the Creative Investment Program and to celebrate this year’s talented recipients,” said Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow. “These grants empower local creatives to expand their knowledge, hone their skills, and strengthen their businesses here in Summit County.”

In 2025, the grant recipients will pay it forward by sharing the insights and expertise gained from their professional development opportunities with other local arts and culture professionals, fostering a cycle of collaboration and growth.

Click here to support the next round of the Creative Investment Program.

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ArtsNow works to leverage the arts and culture in Summit County to support and strengthen the region’s economic and social vibrancy.