ArtsNow

Cultural plan: ongoing implementation. In 2019, for the first time in its history, greater akron engaged in a citywide cultural planning process with goals to strengthen the city, advance cultural diversity, increase opportunities to create culture, and provide vibrant experiences for all akron/summit county residents. With implementation of the ten priorities underway, Artsnow is very focused on advancing the plan and ensuring the investment of our residents is fully realized. During fy23, Artsnow has been focusing on three key areas of the cultural plan: -inclusion, equity, and access (priorities 1 & 2): we believe that people of all ages, races, genders, orientations, religions, abilities, means, and backgrounds must have access to and participate in the making of a thriving cultural scene. We worked to advance efforts that maximize access to cultural experiences so all akron/summit county residents and visitors feel like valued guests and welcomed creators of art and culture. -explore the financial strength of the cultural sector (priority 6): a healthy cultural sector requires sustainable funding sources in order to maximize its potential for community impact. A comprehensive assessment of sustainable funding models must be created in order to determine an appropriate path forward to fully realize that impact. This assessment should objectively examine the current financial health of the sector, its current and potential economic impact, and assess the capacities and priorities of the philanthropic, business, and public sectors. -ensuring talent is support in summit county (priority 4). Artsnow hosted 8 professional development workshops with local and regional presenters for 270 attendees. Additionally, Artsnow hosted 7 sector-building learning opportunities for over 480 participants. 99% of participants indicated they were "very satisfied" with the content offerings from Artsnow. With 33% attending an event for the first time.examples of cultural plan implementation:-secure funding to set-up a fund for re-granting to nonprofits called artsforward,-collaboration among summit dd, akron-summit county public library, direction home, and tri-county independent living center to advance the accessibility library.-founding and launch of deia advisory board for arts and culture, summit county.-professional development/support for staff, board and volunteers of our nonprofit and for-profit arts, culture, and environmental businesses