AKRON, Ohio — (January 10, 2014) – Summit County residents have a high demand for arts and culture and value its importance to the local quality of life and economy, a first-of-its kind report released today has found. At the same time, the county lacks a cohesive arts sector and the leadership to push it forward, the independent report commissioned by the GAR and John S. and James L. Knight foundations said.

The study also found that many local cultural groups struggle financially and operate with less than a few months cash on hand.

The report released today is the first comprehensive assessment of the arts and cultural community in Summit County, examining the health of arts organizations, their finances and audiences. The Osgood Group of Cleveland produced the report, with the help of a 19-member advisory committee of local civic, business and arts leaders.

The year-long review included online and telephone surveys of 800 randomly-selected Summit County residents; open roundtable discussions with young professionals, minorities, business people, and arts organizations; one-on-one interviews with business and government executives; a detailed review of financial information published by arts organizations; and an examination of seven comparable Ohio and U.S. communities where the arts have played a role in community revitalization.

The effort began as a way to set a baseline for the local arts and cultural community, and provide the information that the community could use to strengthen arts assets, said Christine Mayer, president of GAR Foundation, a long-time funder of the Summit County arts.

“We wanted to gain a clear, fact-based understanding of the sector’s strengths and weaknesses, and explore collaborative models that have worked in other cities and may have value in Summit County,” Mayer said.

Knight Foundation hopes that the data helps inform future conversations, said Jennifer Thomas, the foundation’s Akron program director.

“Few things have the power the arts have to bring people together and inspire our community to reach its potential,” said Jennifer Thomas, Akron program director for Knight Foundation. “In order to have a great arts ecosystem, you need good information. We hope this data creates some rich conversations in the community and helps us chart a way forward.”

Among the findings:

·      Demand for the arts: Summit County residents participate in arts and culture to a high degree – with 75% attending at least one event in the last year. Most are “satisfied” with their cultural experiences locally and regionally; A third of those surveyed place arts and cultural activity as the highest priority for use of their spare time. And yet fewer than half said that all of their arts needs were met by local offerings, suggesting potential for local audience development.

·      Differing perceptions: There’s a “disconnect” between the way arts organizations view themselves and the way the public perceives them.  For instance, many key public stakeholders view the arts sector as disorganized, in contrast to how the sector views itself. In addition, arts and cultural organizations see their offerings as diverse and relevant to all audiences, while the market – particularly young people and African-Americans – doesn’t always agree.

·      Lack of information: Many surveyed said they had a hard time finding out what artistic programming was available on any given day or weekend.   

The report also provided several recommendations for the community.  They include: developing a centralized information source about the arts; creating and resourcing a structure that can unite the arts community and chart a vision for the future; increasing meaningful interaction among arts and cultural organizations and local business and civic leaders; and adding programming to address perceived gaps in what is currently being offered.

View an executive summary of the report online and register your reactions and ideas at www.theciviccommons.com.

About GAR Foundation

GAR Foundation is a private foundation established in 1967 by Galen and Ruth Roush.  Mr. Roush was the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roadway Express.  GAR Foundation’s mission is to strengthen communities in the Northeast Ohio region. Since its inception, GAR has distributed more than $200 million to nonprofit organizations working in the Foundation’s areas of interest.  Funding priorities include: Education, Basic Needs and Independence, Arts and Culture, and Civic Enhancement. GAR’s giving is focused primarily in Summit County, Ohio. The Foundation’s offices are housed within the historic Andrew Jackson House at 277 E Mill Street in Akron, Ohio.  Visit www.garfoundation.org for more information.

About The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit KnightFoundation.org.