ArtsNow, a nonprofit organization that supports and strengthens arts and culture in Summit County, is excited to announce the recipients of the 2023 Summit County Creative Investment Program.

In its second year, The Creative Investment Program is made possible through the support of the Ian Patrick Schwarber Foundation. This program is designed to provide direct investment in the professional learning of local artists and creatives residing in Summit County.

This year, 15 talented individuals were awarded grants totaling $19,517 to advance their careers and invest in their professional growth. The grant awards, which are capped at $2,500, can be used to cover the cost of registration or admission, as well as travel reimbursement for professional development opportunities.

The recipients are:

• Amanda Bacon, $1,205 – NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) Conference
• Danielle Dieterich, $2,500 – Plein Air Convention & Expo
• Danielle Fairweather, $347 – Tim Packer’s Mentorship Community
• Dara Harper, $1,295 – Documentary Film School
• Diane Johnson, $775 – Fundamentals of Creating a Picture Book
• Heather Meeker, $2,250 – Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD)
• Hope Hickman, $1,205 – NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) Conference
• Jennifer Vincik, $1,500 – Kent Blossom Art Intensives Art Residency Program
• Jess Fijalkovich, $2,100 – Wells College Book Arts Summer Institute
• Kimberly Porter, $1,250 – “Exploring Creativity through Play” at Penland School of Craft
• Leila Katrina Griffiths, $550 – Arts Impact Ohio 2024 Biannual Conference
• Micah Kraus, $550 – Arts Impact Ohio 2024 Biannual Conference
• Natalie Grieshammer Patrick, $1,500 – Digital Weaving Lab Residency at Praxis Fiber Workshop
• Sekoya Kendrick, $1,490 – Introduction to Art and Finance
• Tessa Gaffney, $1,000 – Merry Ross and the Living Arts Playback Ensemble

“We are thrilled to award more than double the number of investments from last year,” said Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow. “The Creative Investment Program recipients are eager to expand their knowledge, and skills, and grow their businesses right here in Summit County. We take pride in offering these talented individuals the support they deserve to continue the thriving arts and culture in our community.”

The grant recipients of the Summit County Creative Investment Program will pay it forward in 2024 by sharing what they learned in their respective programs with other professionals in the arts and culture industry.

For more information on ArtsNow and the vital role its team plays in the community, ArtsNow.org. To contribute to the next round of the Creative Investment Program, click here.

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Contact: ArtsNow 
Nicole Mullet, Executive Director 330-203-1606
Nicole@ArtsNow.org

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