Arts & Culture as an Economic Driver
Category: Event Calendar
Date and Time
- Thursday, May 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5pm
Location
Akron Art Museum
1 S High St
Details
Presented by Akron Community Foundation
Join us for a Community Issues Session about investing in creativity, activating place, and supporting artists as entrepreneurs.
Join us for a conversation about arts and culture as part of our next Community Issues Session, which will explore the ideas and investments shaping Summit County's future. The event takes place Thursday, May 28 at the Akron Art Museum and will reveal how arts and culture fuel a dynamic economy across the region, creating a steady catalyst for economic activity, while driving tourism, creating jobs, strengthening community identity, and supporting stronger educational outcomes.
The event will feature a panel of notable speakers, including:
- Harvey Nelson: Retired Co‑Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Main Street Muffins; Board Member, ArtsNow
- Kimberly Beckett: Executive Director, Downtown Akron Partnership
- Brian Lamoda‑Genet: General Manager, 750ml Wines; Co‑Chair, Events Committee, Akron Pride Festival
- Rita Aggarwal: Executive Director, Proyecto RAICES; Co-Organizer, Akron Latin Fesitval
- Natalie Grieshammer‑Patrick: Executive Director, Summit Artspace
The conversation will examine how artists operate as entrepreneurs, how donors can expand artists' reach and stability, and how public spaces come alive through creative activity. The event is free to attend, but space is limited, and RSVP is required. The session will also be livestreamed to ACF's Facebook page.
