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 is operated in collaboration with the Summit County Land Bank. 

Designed to inspire creative community spaces and deepen cultural connections, the grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and will fund projects that enhance public spaces, promote cultural engagement, and strengthen relationships within the community.

To ensure accessibility and transparency, ArtsNow and the Summit County Land Bank will host a free informational webinar on Mon., Feb. 10, 2025, at noon. This session will guide potential applicants through the grant process, covering eligibility requirements, application details, and examples of projects that align with the program’s goals. Register here: bit.ly/PlacemakingProjectGrants. 

The NEA’s Grants for Arts Projects program is fueling creativity and community enrichment nationwide in fiscal year 2025, funding 1,127 initiatives across the United States with over $31.8 million. Among the selected recipients, ArtsNow stands as the sole organization in Summit County to earn this grant, highlighting its impactful work in leveraging the arts to enrich its local community.

“The NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting organizations and artists that shape vibrant arts sectors and communities nationwide,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, Chair of the NEA. “It’s inspiring to see the breadth of creative projects underway, including this including ArtsNow’s grant program.”

“We are deeply grateful for the NEA’s recognition and support, as well as our partnership with the Summit County Land Bank,” said Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow. “Together, we are creating new opportunities for local artists and organizations to bring the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan to life.”

“This grant program is the result of a four-year partnership between ArtsNow and the Summit County Land Bank through the annual Creative Placemaking Conference,” said Patrick Bravo, Executive Director of the Summit County Land Bank. “The conference has showcased the incredible potential of community-driven ideas to advance the Cultural Plan, and we’re excited to see those ideas take shape in 2025.”

Interested applicants and community members are encouraged to learn more about the program and its alignment with the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan by visiting akronculturalplan.com/artsforward.

To register for the Feb. 10 webinar follow this link: bit.ly/PlacemakingProjectGrants.

The Creative Placemaking Conference is scheduled to take place on Thurs., Dec. 4, 2025, at Bounce Innovation Hub.For further information on the NEA’s nationwide grant recipients, visit arts.gov/news.