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Connecting Arts, Culture

and Community

On the left there is a photo of little girl holding two red Lego blocks, to the right is photo of a woman painting with a woman next to her, the third photo is a little boy drawing black pavement with chalk. The photo beneath these are three girls dressed in orange, red, and blue clothing throwing confetti.

Photos (Left to Right): Akron Children's Museum, photo courtesy of Akron Children's Museum; Cultural Plan focus group in 2019 with Torchbearers, photo by Shane Wynn Photography; Hope Mural installation at Park East, photo by Ilenia Pezzaniti; Himalayan Arts Language & Cultural Academy, photo by Aimee Juarez

 

2025 ArtsForward Recipients

ArtsNow is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the ArtsForward grant program! This year, 29 projects were selected, representing an incredible range of disciplines, neighborhoods, and community impact.

From public art and placemaking initiatives to arts access and inclusion programming, these projects illustrate the creative capacity and vision of Summit County’s nonprofit and independent arts community.

 

State of the Arts 2025

Join us on October 15, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 PM! ArtsNow hosting the fourth annual State of the Arts: Summit County, a powerful gathering of artists, civic leaders, and community champions committed to building a more vibrant, creative Summit County.

Together, we'll celebrate the ongoing impact of the Summit County Cultural Plan, spotlight the change-makers shaping our region's cultural and economic future, and share what's next in the movement for arts and culture.

 

Upcoming Events

Concert and dancing at a park

Photo from the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Sun., July 13 • 3:30pm

• Howe Meadow, Peninsula

See Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band with opener Shaw High School Marching band! Bring your friends and family for great music, food trucks, field games for kids, and free 360 photo booth.

 
Colorful graphic with text announcing a gallery open house

Graphic from Forever Changes

Fri., July 11 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm

• Forever Changes: Art x Love's Working Studio & Gallery, Akron

Discover more than 200 unique artworks by more than 20 local artists, hang out with our creative community, and immerse yourself in a vibrant good time. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow art lovers and celebrate the power of creativity.

 
Dancers on a stage

Photo from Ohio Contemporary Ballet

Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival

July 25-26 • 8:45 pm 

• Forest Lodge Community Center, Akron

Ohio Contemporary Ballet proudly returns to the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival in Akron. Featuring two masterpieces on the program: Planes/Configurations and Light Breeze.

 

ArtsNow Celebrates 10 Years

ArtsNow is proudly celebrating ten years in 2025! As we mark this milestone, we'd love to hear how ArtsNow impacted you - your experiences, takeaways, and memorable moments. 

 

Thank you for being part of our journey. We can't wait to celebrate together!

 
Photo of people painting. Text on the photo reads "Akron-Summit Cultural Plan." The bottom of the photo has different icons such as a balance scare, a door, hand with a pencil in it, a flower, two people talking, two gears, puzzle pieces, money, a location symbol, and a painting. Text at the top of the photo is photo credit to Elizabeth Tipton.

Do you have a project or update about the arts and culture sector that aligns with our 10 priorities from the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan? Fill out the quick form below to have your project or update featured on our website!

 
3 circular photos with blue, orange, pink, green, and yellow smaller circles around them. The first photo is On the left there is a photo of little girl holding two red Lego blocks, to the right is photo of a woman painting with a woman next to her, the third photo is a little boy drawing black pavement with chalk. The first photo is of a little girl holding two red blocks, the second photo is of a woman painting with a woman next to her, and the third photo is of a man painting a face.

Photos (Left to Right): Akron Children's Museum, photo courtesy of Akron Children's Museum; Cultural Plan focus group in 2019 with Torchbearers, photo courtesy of Shane Wynn Photography; Painter Dray Evans, photo courtesy of Aimee Juarez

Support the Arts & Culture Sector in Summit County.

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