Knight Arts Challenge Akron — what’s your best idea?

08/11/2015

Do you have an idea to inspire Akron's local arts scene and enrich its neighborhoods?

Knight Foundation logo


The Knight Arts Challenge Akron, sponsored by the John L. and James S. Knight Foundation, is offering $1 million to draw the best and most innovative ideas out of local organizations and individuals seeking to engage and enrich the community through the arts. Members of The University of Akron community — faculty, staff and students — are invited to join in and share their ideas as well.

There are some basic rules:

  • Your idea is about arts.
  • Your project takes place in or benefits Akron.
  • You find other funding to match the Knight Foundation's grant.

You can submit a150-word application through Sept. 14. Finalists for the challenge will be announced soon after, and those projects will be asked to submit a more detailed proposal. The winners will be announced in 2016.

Three community Q&A sessions are scheduled at 5:30 p.m. this month throughout Akron. Here’s the schedule: 

  • Monday, Aug. 24 — Akron Urban League, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, RSVP.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 25 — Mustard Seed Cafe, 867 W. Market St., Akron RSVP.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 26 — Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron, RSVP.

To learn more, visit the Knight Arts Challenge Akron online.