Do you know a local art champion!?
For 25 years, the Arts Alive Awards, presented by Summit Artspace, have recognized outstanding artists, educators, administrators, and patrons who strengthen the arts and culture sector in Summit and surrounding counties. The Arts Alive Awards honor recipients in the following categories: Emerging Artist; Outstanding Artists in Theatre, Dance, Music, Literary, and Visual Arts; Arts Educator; Artist Empowerment; Rising Arts Leader; and Arts Patron. The public is invited to nominate candidates for these awards, and recipients are selected by a committee of community members, artists, arts professionals, and previous Arts Alive Award honorees. In addition to these categories, Summit Artspace selects recipients for the following awards: Summit Artspace Champion and Arts Alive Award.
Save the date for the Arts Alive Awards Gala and Ceremony on Wednesday, May 19th. This unforgettable evening, filled with food, music, award presentations and more, is an annual highlight. This year’s event will take place at House Three Thirty, from 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Please note: Nominees must be based in Summit County and contiguous counties.
Call for BIPOC+ Artists: Horizon Gallery 2027
Exhibition dates: April 2 - June 12, 2027
Summit Artspace invites local BIPOC+ (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists to apply for a funded solo exhibition. Through a blind juried process, one artist will be selected to receive a $1,000 stipend to support the creation of a solo exhibition in Summit Artspace's Horizon Gallery. The organizational goal behind this exhibition is to actively undo systems of oppression and domination present in the art world. Summit Artspace is interested in the many ways in which BIPOC+ artists impact our communities through their art.
The exhibition is dedicated to– but is not limited to – uncovering the following themes:
· Exploring and advancing meaningful BIPOC+ narratives
· Re-contextualizing traditionally white-dominated genres to give new meanings
· Restoring hope by envisioning a world where social justice has taken hold
· Building support for social change, equity, and inclusion
· Exposing and denouncing injustices to marginalized communities
· Investigating new ideas and genres to transform viewer perceptions
Eligible artists will be Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color; they will live in Summit County, or surrounding counties and express an interest of making an impact through their artwork. All types of visual artists are welcome to apply for this opportunity.
Why do we use the term "BIPOC"? Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) is a term used in the United States intended to center the experiences of—and create solidarity between—different communities of color. Individuals and communities who identify as BIPOC note the significance of the term as an indicator of solidarity against systemic racism. BIPOC highlights each group of color and their unique experience. While many celebrate its usage, it’s important to know that not everyone agrees with the term BIPOC; there is always an element of personal preference and context to consider when using identity terminology.
The exhibition is funded in part through general operating support from Ohio Arts Council, Akron Community Foundation, and GAR Foundation.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: November 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- Notification of Acceptance: December 14, 2026
- Public Announcement: January 2027
- Exhibition: April 2 - June 12, 2027
Juror: Jordan Wong
Guidelines and Information:
· Size and weight of final artwork should be easily portable and manageable. If there are special installation requirements, the artist may need to provide necessary hanging devices. Summit Artspace is able to provide basic install supplies. Pedestals and display monitors have limited availability.
· The Horizon Gallery is located on the third floor of Summit Artspace; it has 4 walls for display measuring approximately 34 feet by 26 feet with 11 foot high ceilings.
· Please note all final displays are subject to Summit Artspace approval.
· Upon entering, you will be emailed future calls for art from Summit Artspace.
· We cannot accept artwork that is shipped, nor can we ship artwork.
Questions or need help with your application? Email Director of Artist Programs and Exhibitions, Anna E. Young, at anna@summitartspace.org.