ArtsinStark: Nourishing the Arts for a Better Community

While ArtsinStark has only been formally established in 2004, the non-profit organization has its roots stretching back to 1968. Its foundation is the present-day county’s art council, which was established in 1968 and which built the Cultural Center for the Arts. Its focus then was two-fold, namely: first, the effective and efficient management of the Cultural Center for the Arts, an arts facility; and second, the operations of the eighty United Arts Fund drives, which was involved in fundraising for five organizations. These organizations included Canton Symphony Orchestra, Canton Ballet, Players Guild Theatre, Canton Museum of Art, and Voices of Canton, Inc.

Today, ArtsinStark has a broader reach and influence in the community. It has welcomed two organizations, namely, the Canton Palace Theatre and the Massillon Museum, into its operating umbrella. It has also broadened its fundraising efforts for the benefit of a wider range of beneficiaries including artists, schools, and non-profit organizations.

Its main thrusts: To award grants for deserving arts-related projects and artists; to manage the Cultural center for the Arts; and to run the Annual Arts Campaign.

In 2015, ArtsinStark agreed to the granting of over $1.2 million in grants to 69 active special projects as well as to 2020 Vision programs and SmArts projects. All of these grants are designed to benefit the people who live, learn, work and play in Stark County. The 2015 grants, which was the largest grant in the organization’s history, were made possible with the 2014 Annual Arts Campaign’s success.

The SmArts Mini Grants are used to support projects including video storytelling for technology connections (Hartford STEAMM Academy), manufacture of musical instruments for musical instruction (Glenwood Intermediate), and design of clothing from recycled materials (Early College Academy), among others.

The 20/20 Vision Grants are provided to individuals and groups that promote ArtsinStark’s 20/20 plan across Stark County. Other grants are provided to Stark County’s large arts organization that strengthens the arts in the community.