ArtsNow

The mission of the Creative Placemaking Grants is to activate public spaces, bring people together, and increase access to the arts in neighborhoods throughout Summit County. Thanks to a partnership with the Summit County Land Bank and the City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office, these grants make vibrant places to live, work and play a reality in Summit County.

Ready to apply? Visit https://artsnow.org/grants/placemaking-project-grants-overview/.

Photo Credit: Akron Symphonic Winds

"Creative placemaking is not only about transforming spaces; it's about transforming relationships. Through Words & Action, artists, residents, and community leaders discovered that every conversation, every idea, and every act of collaboration helps build a stronger civic future." – Akron Black Actors Guild

Through generous partnerships with the City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office and Summit County Land Bank, the Placemaking Project Grants provide direct support to projects that advance efforts aligned with The Cultural Plan across Summit County.

Have an idea for your community? Applications are open: https://artsnow.org/grants/placemaking-project-grants-overview/

Photo Credit: Video306

Grant applications are now open! Apply in our grant portal: artsnow.org/grants/

Thanks to our partnership with the Summit County Land Bank and support from the City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office, these grants help artists, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and community partners turn local ideas into meaningful community impact.

Job Opportunity: Studio Assistant - Community Arts Center at the Cleveland Museum of Art

Based at the Cleveland Museum of Arts Community Arts Center, the studio assistant will support all community arts studio-based programming. Programs include Studio Go, our mobile arts studio; open studios, workshops, and school programs at the Community Arts Center; signature events such as Parade the Circle and Chalk Festival.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://summitlive365.com/classified/cleveland-museum-of-art-studio-assistant-community-art-center/

Have questions about the Creative Placemaking Grant? We're here to help! Join us for a free online applicant information session on July 27 from 12-1 pm.

The session is free to attend, but registration is required: https://bit.ly/4wcABpI

"The placemaking grant Better Kenmore CDC received allowed us to transform a vacant storefront into a pop-up art gallery. Students from Firestone CLC sold their art, and on display was art created from a community workshop in Kenmore led by artist Althea Jones." - Eleni Manousogiannakis

Interested in applying for a Placemaking Grant when applications open on August 1?

Join an optional webinar to learn everything you need to know before you apply. We'll walk through the application process, eligibility, key deadlines, and requirements, with plenty of time to answer your questions.

Reserve a spot: eventbrite.com/e/applicant-information-session-creative-placemaking-grants-tickets-1993610697262?aff=oddtdtcreator

City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office
Summit County Land Bank

The Center for Applied Theatre and Active Culture is proud to present the Co-Active Therapeutic Theatre Residency! Created by Dr. Laura Wood and Dave Mowers, the CoATT model occupies a transformative space at the intersection of therapeutic and community theatre.

The program will take place on August 27-30, 2026. For more information, visit: https://summitlive365.com/classified/co-active-therapeutic-theatre-residency/

We're grateful to the Ian Patrick Schwarber Foundation!

As the Foundation shared:

"Each year, this outing celebrates Ian's belief that investing in people is one of the best investments a community can make. We are proud that this year's event raised $12,000 to help local artists and creative entrepreneurs develop their skills, invest in their careers, and continue contributing to Summit County's creative economy."

These funds will directly support ArtsNow's Creative Investment Program, helping artists and creative entrepreneurs access professional development, business resources, mentorship, and opportunities to grow their impact throughout Summit County.

Incredible places don't just happen; they're created by the people who call them home.

We're excited to announce the 2026 Placemaking Project Grants, supporting arts and culture projects that bring neighbors together, activate public spaces, and celebrate the unique character of communities across Summit County.

Thanks to our partnership with the Summit County Land Bank and support from the City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office, these grants help artists, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and community partners turn local ideas into meaningful community impact.

📅 Here's what you need to know:
• Application preview available: July 13
• Applications open: August 1
• Deadline: August 16 at 11:59 p.m.

Last year, just over $85,000 in grant funding helped spark 74 performances, classes, and workshops, reaching nearly 30,000 residents and visitors. We can't wait to see what's possible this year.

Learn more and prepare your application at ArtsNow.org/grants/placemaking-project-grants-overview

We recently brought together municipal leaders, attorneys, artists, and public art professionals from across Summit County at Cuyahoga Valley Art Center for a conversation about the policies, partnerships, and practices that support successful public art.

Together, we explored topics like contracts, ownership, maintenance, funding opportunities, public art planning, and long-term stewardship while sharing lessons learned and building connections across communities.

By creating space for collaboration and knowledge sharing, the convening helps strengthen local capacity to support thoughtful, lasting public art throughout Summit County.

Mural: "Pantone of the Cuyahoga River" by Derek Brennan
📸: The Green Photograph