ArtsNow

ArtsNow operates as a central backbone organization for the arts and culture sector in Summit County, Ohio, with a mission to connect and support the creative community to enhance the region's economic and social vitality. Founded in 2015 as a result of an Arts and Culture Landscape Study funded by the GAR and Knight Foundations, the nonprofit entity was established to unify the arts sector and ensure its recognition as a vital contributor to the area's vibrancy. Nicole Mullet, the founding Executive Director, has been instrumental in shaping the organization, building it to support artists and foster collaboration among various stakeholders. Her leadership, recognized with multiple awards, stems from a commitment to connecting local talent with resources and advocating for the arts across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

The organization's business model is that of a nonprofit local arts agency, funded through a combination of grants from foundations like the Knight Foundation and GAR Foundation, government support, corporate and individual contributions, and earned revenue. ArtsNow provides a variety of services and programs targeting artists, arts organizations, and the broader community. A key initiative is facilitating grant programs, such as ArtsForward and the Creative Investment Program, which have channeled over $1.4 million into Summit County’s arts ecosystem to support projects aligned with the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan. The organization also created SummitLive365.com, a web platform providing residents with comprehensive information on local arts and culture events, addressing a gap in audience awareness. Furthermore, ArtsNow convenes the creative community through networking events and professional development opportunities to strengthen the sector's impact and relevance.

For its clients, which include individual artists, nonprofit arts organizations, and community leaders, ArtsNow acts as a crucial connector and resource hub. It advocates for the value of art as a vocation, helps organizations collaborate, and provides data and analysis to drive sector improvement. One of its notable programs involved partnering with United Disability Services to make cultural spaces more accessible and sensory-friendly. By engaging with local government, businesses, and community partners, ArtsNow works to embed arts and culture into the foundation of the community, thereby boosting economic development and making Summit County an attractive place for residents and businesses.

Keywords: arts and culture, local arts agency, Summit County Ohio, nonprofit, community development, economic vibrancy, artist support, grantmaking, cultural planning, arts advocacy, Nicole Mullet, community engagement, creative sector, arts funding, Akron arts, cultural assets, professional development, community collaboration, arts networking, cultural resources, SummitLive365, ArtsForward