Don't Miss Out on the ArtsForward Grant Program Ending on June 30th, 2023!
Are you an artist or creative entrepreneur? Have great ideas about how arts and culture can advance your neighborhood? Or are part of a cultural organization in Summit County? If so, here's an important reminder for you: the ArtsForward grant program, which supports the advancement of the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan, will be coming to a close on June 30th, 2023. This is your opportunity to secure funding for projects that contribute to the vibrant arts and cultural scene in our region.
ArtsNow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging arts and culture in Summit County, has been working tirelessly to strengthen our community's economic and social vibrancy. With the support of GAR Foundation and Knight Foundation, they have collaborated with neighborhood leaders, artists, cultural organizations, regional experts, and community residents to develop the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan.
The cultural plan serves as a roadmap for enhancing our community's soul through arts, humanities, culture, natural resources, and heritage. It provides a vision and recommendations on how we can build upon our collective history and shape our future. The plan identifies ten public priorities that act as guiding principles for projects and initiatives:
1. Equity
2. Access
3. Education
4. Talent
5. Engagement
6. Resources
7. Connections
8. Placemaking
9. Economic Impact
10. Public Art
If you have a project idea that aligns with any of these priorities and has the potential to impact our Summit County communities, the ArtsForward grant program is the perfect opportunity for you. Grants of up to $25,000 can be requested, providing the financial support needed to bring your vision to life.
It's important to note that the ArtsForward grant program is specifically geared towards project-based grants. If you require capital funding or general operating grants, there may be other resources more suitable for your needs. If you're an artist entrepreneur, ArtsNow encourages you to apply, but you will need a nonprofit partner to serve as a fiscal sponsor. Summit Artspace is available to assist local artists in finding fiscal sponsorships, and you can learn more about this opportunity at SummitArtspace.org or by reaching out to Heather Meeker at heather@summitartspace.org.
To ensure that the grant program's investments align with the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan's key priorities, the distribution committee consists of respected artists, neighborhood and community leaders, and Summit County residents. Their expertise and dedication to community involvement guarantee that the chosen projects will make a meaningful impact.
If you have any questions or need further information about the ArtsForward grant program, don't hesitate to reach out to the dedicated team at artsforward@artsnow.org. They are actively monitoring this email account and are ready to assist you.
Time is running out, so don't miss your chance to apply for the ArtsForward grant program. Submit your applications between June 1st and June 30th, 2023. Let's continue building upon our collective history and shaping a vibrant future for the arts and culture in Summit County. Together, we can make our community an even more special place to live and work.
Learn more about the program and submit the (very simple!) application today: https://www.akronculturalplan.com/artsforward