Akron’s Future Is Creative. Let’s Invest Like It.: Why Akron’s Next 100 Years Belong to the Arts

As Akron celebrates its bicentennial, we are called to reflect not just on where we’ve been, but where we’re going. Over the past decade, Akron’s arts, culture, and environmental sector has worked hard to prove that when trusted with investment, we over-deliver.

We’ve shown that creativity is not a luxury—it’s a catalyst. The next 100 years present a powerful opportunity to invest in what’s already working: Akron’s artists, cultural institutions, and creative economy.

But we must start with an honest truth—right now, our sector operates within a fragile financial ecosystem. Artists and organizations like ArtsNow, are stretching every dollar to deliver programs that make our community stronger, safer, and more vibrant. We know that the people of Akron value the role arts and culture play in civic pride, youth development, public safety, education, and belonging. But that appreciation isn’t matched with sustainable funding or long-term support.

I believe that will change. Our community is and will continue to call for it. I believe that change is coming, because our community cares deeply, and that care is turning into action, into advocacy, into a brighter future for the arts.

The next 100 years can—and should—be defined by a city that fully embraces arts and culture as a key driver of economic vitality and community health. When we invest in the creative sector, we’re investing in every aspect of Akron’s future.

Imagine a city where every K–12 student has access to high-quality creative education, regardless of zip code. Not every child finds their purpose on the basketball court—and while athletic programs have long received significant investment, we now have a chance to offer equally strong creative pathways for all Akron kids. We know from national data that participation in the arts increases school attendance, boosts academic achievement, and helps young people build confidence and critical thinking skills.

Imagine a city that really starts to advance healthy creative aging. The numbers are compelling: Older adults who engage in cognitive or physical creative activities—like dancing, playing an instrument, or reading—are 63% less likely to develop dementia. Community arts programs have also been shown to reduce doctor visits, leading to potential national savings of $43.3 billion annually. In Akron, that could mean stronger intergenerational connections, lower healthcare costs, and more meaningful opportunities for older adults to remain active and engaged.

Imagine a city where cultural tourism helps power a thriving local economy. We already know that Live Akron is showcasing more than 300 downtown events a year. With deeper investment, Akron can expand its reach and become a cultural destination not just for Northeast Ohio—but for the Midwest. A strong cultural economy means busy restaurants, bustling sidewalks, and small businesses that benefit from the foot traffic generated by concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and performances.

And imagine a city where our public spaces are beautiful, accessible, and intentionally designed—because we believe that everyone deserves access to creativity and inspiration in their daily lives. Thoughtful design in public spaces is more than decoration. It’s a declaration that everyone belongs.

Perhaps most exciting of all, imagine Akron as a national model for how the arts and health sectors can work together to solve complex problems. In recent years, we’ve seen how creative placemaking has supported public safety initiatives and how arts-based approaches are helping reduce isolation, support mental health, and build trust between systems and communities.

Across Akron, partnerships between hospitals, housing agencies, addition and recovery efforts, and arts organizations are already taking root. With long-term support, these collaborations can grow into transformative systems of care.

Akron’s creative sector is not just ready—it’s poised. We have the talent, the vision, and the momentum. What we will see in the years ahead is the will to invest boldly and sustainably.

As we look toward Akron’s next century, let’s be a city that doesn’t just survive—but thrives. Let’s be a city where creativity isn’t something on the sidelines—it’s the strategy. Because when the arts are strong, Akron is stronger.

And let’s be clear: the Akron we hope to see in 100 years starts with the choices we make today. The work of building a more vibrant, connected, and creative city begins now—with visionary investment, courageous leadership, and the belief that the arts are not extra, but essential.

 - Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow

Photo by Ilenia Pezzaniti