State of the Arts, 2026

Part community report, part celebration, and part fundraiser, State of the Arts brings together people who care about Summit County’s future
About this Event

Join ArtsNow for the fifth annual State of the Arts: Summit County on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at House Three Thirty.

Part community report, part celebration, and part fundraiser, State of the Arts brings together people from across Summit County who care about the future of our arts, culture, recreation, and environmental sectors.

This year, ArtsNow will present the Distinguished Patron Award to David Lieberth and the ArtsNow Visionary Leader Award to Kendra Myers.

The program will include:

• An update on Summit County’s arts and culture sector
• Reflections on the progress and impact of the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan
• Updates on ArtsNow’s work and community partnerships
• Opportunities to connect with artists and leaders from the public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors across the region

Whether your work is rooted in arts and culture or in one of the many sectors it strengthens, we invite you to join us in considering how our creative sector contributes to a vibrant, connected, and resilient Summit County.

Interested in sponsoring State of the Arts? View sponsorship opportunities at https://artsnow.org/sota/.

Event Schedule

🕑: 03:30 PM
Sponsor Reception

Info: For sponsors and invited guests.

🕑: 04:00 PM
Doors Open

Info: Check in, pick up your nametag, and enjoy food and drinks before the program begins.

🕑: 04:30 PM
State of the Arts Program

Info: Community report, award presentations, and reflections on the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan.