Akron Area Arts Alliance

“The 990 is reviewed by the board prior to filing.”

“The conflict of interest policy requires all board members and staff to promptly report all conflicts of interest as well as update their conflict of interest disclosures on an annual basis. In addition, the executive director and board as a whole are continuously monitoring the organization for conflicts of interest. All conflicts of interest are brought to the attention of the board, who ensures enforcement of the conflict of interest policy.”

“The board evaluates the executive director annually and determines compensation using appropriate salary surveys and other information.”

“Governing documents are made available to the public upon request.”

“Summit artspace connects artists and artist-serving organizations to the community and to the resources they need to thrive professionally, creatively, and financially. Its core values of creativity, collaboration, and community guide the current strategic plan, which focuses on six key priority areas: 1) supporting artists at all levels of their creative journey, 2) encouraging participation in the arts through education and outreach, 3) serving as a vital creative resource for the community, 4) increasing awareness and visibility throughout the community, 5) building financial sustainability through revenue growth and 6) diversifying artists we serve. Additionally, summit artspace seeks to build public awareness concerning the value of artists as contributors to our area's creative economy, quality of life, and place-making for those that live, work or go to school in summit and contiguous counties.”

“Summit artspace relies on volunteers to assist in the delivery of its mission. Leadership volunteers serve as members of the board of directors and work on numerous committees. Program volunteers lead programs and workshops such as artist launchpad and professional practice, serve as gallery docents during public hours, and represent summit artspace at community events. Gallery docent volunteers serve as subject matter experts on exhibitions and facilitate sales of pieces available for purchase during an exhibition. Summit artspace hosts interns from local high schools and higher education institutions to provide shadowing and hands-on experiences for those considering pursuing a career in the creative sector.”

“Programs to assist artists with wraparound care and professional skills are an important opportunity for summit artspace to implement the akron cultural plan across multiple priorities, including talent development. A signature offering is its artist care programs (artist launchpad, professional practice, and one-to-one), which provide entrepreneurial and skill-building sessions from local artists and content experts to support artists as they develop their practices. Participating artists represent multiple mediums including theatre, dance and visual art. Programs are offered on a sliding scale, and most offer scholarships to participants who require financial support. Summit artspace also collaborates with local artists and arts/culture organizations to offer rehearsal, meeting, instruction and space at an in-kind or reduced rate.”

“Summit artspace is home to nearly 30 artists and artist-serving organizations for working studio space that allow artists to create work and engage with the public. The building, formally the headquarters of the akron beacon journal and the akron public library, is owned by the county of summit, which is a valued partner in ensuring free and public access to the arts. Summit artspace produces public programs that encourage a robust and sustained "exchange" between the northeast ohio residents and summit county artists. Outcomes include increased arts engagement, direct connections with local artists, and artwork sales. Events include artwalk, artist sunday, the arts alive awards, and collaborations with other organizations such as junior leadership akron and the state of ohio poet laureate.”