State of the Arts
Join ArtsNow for the fifth annual State of the Arts: Summit County on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at House Three Thirty.
Part community report, part celebration, and part fundraiser, State of the Arts brings together people from across Summit County who care about the future of our arts, culture, recreation, and environmental sectors.
Sponsor Reception: 3:30 p.m. (For sponsors and invited guests)
Doors Open: 4:00 p.m.
Program: 4:30–6:00 p.m.
ArtsNow Distinguished Patron Recipient:
David Lieberth
David Lieberth has spent more than four decades championing arts and culture in Summit County through philanthropy, advocacy, leadership, and storytelling. An author, producer, documentarian, and historian, David has helped shape Akron’s cultural identity through dozens of initiatives and organizations, including Lock 3, the founding of the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, and the creation of the Akron History Center, while quietly supporting countless artists and organizations along the way.
ArtsNow Visionary Leader Recipient:
Kendra Myers
Kendra Myers is being recognized with the ArtsNow Visionary Leader Award for her leadership, strategic guidance, and lasting impact on ArtsNow and the broader arts and culture sector. A past Treasurer and Board President of ArtsNow, Kendra helped guide the organization through pivotal years of growth while championing arts and culture as essential to a vibrant and resilient Summit County. Through her professional expertise, board leadership, and ongoing advocacy, she continues to strengthen the region’s cultural future.
WHAT TO EXPECT
State of the Arts offers an opportunity to celebrate our community’s creative leaders, understand the current state of Summit County’s arts and culture sector, and consider what comes next.
Whether your work is rooted in arts and culture or in one of the many sectors it strengthens, we invite you to join us in considering how our creative sector contributes to a vibrant, connected, and resilient Summit County.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsorship is a meaningful way for businesses, organizations, and community leaders to invest in Summit County’s creative sector while helping sustain ArtsNow’s work.
Sponsor online or request an invoice
TICKETS AND COMMUNITY ACCESS
Tickets are available through October 7 at 11:59 p.m.
Discounted and complimentary Community Access Tickets will be available beginning September 1, 2026. If cost would prevent you from attending, please contact Nicole@ArtsNow.org for a complimentary registration code.
HELP SOMEONE ATTEND
Individuals and organizations may also donate Community Tickets for people who would like to attend but for whom the cost may be a barrier.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Tickets: Printed tickets are not required. Your name and nametag will be available at the registration table when you arrive.
Accessibility: House Three Thirty and Hometown Hall are wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome. If you have additional accessibility needs or accommodation requests, please contact Nicole Mullet at ArtsNow in advance so we can help ensure a welcoming and comfortable experience.
Photography: A local photographer will document the event. By registering, attendees consent to ArtsNow’s use of photographs and video captured during the program for promotional, marketing, and archival purposes.
State of the Arts Sponsors
Legacy Builder Sponsor
Harvey and Kim Nelson
Cultural Champion Sponsors
Creative Partners Sponsors
William F. & Olivia Demas
Jeannine and Steve Marks
Steve Millard
Arts Advocate Sponsors
Lisa King
J. Bret Treier
