When professional artists step into the classroom at Akron Public Schools’ I Promise School (IPS), students immediately lean in. Some have never met a working artist before. Others have never been asked to explain why they chose a particular image, color, brushstroke, or musical note. But in those moments, they are taken seriously for their ideas and invited to see themselves in a new way.
For many students, these opportunities are rare. “Young people navigating real challenges can struggle to trust their creative instincts or believe their ideas matter,” explains Curated Storefront Executive Director Heather Meeker. “In collaboration with I Promise School, we created the Visiting Artist Program to address that need by giving students consistent access to creative mentors who treat their choices as meaningful and encourage them to take risks.”
The Visiting Artist Program is one of 135 projects that have received support through ArtsForward, a regranting program operated by ArtsNow that invests in work aligned with the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan. Since 2023, ArtsForward has awarded more than $1.4 million to individual artists and arts organizations across Summit County, helping bring community-rooted creative ideas like the Visiting Artist Program to life. Alongside other partners, GAR Foundation is proud to support ArtsForward and the projects that are strengthening Akron’s creative landscape.
Inside IPS classrooms, the impact of this program has been unmistakable. Whether students are exploring music or visual art, they rise to the challenge. They practice experimentation and revision. They build confidence not only from doing well, but from being part of a creative process that honors their individual choices. Program Director Theron Brown describes it this way: “When a child discovers their gift, they have found their empowerment. It is up to us to make sure there are no barriers in the path of their discovery.”
These residencies also show students that art can be a viable career path. By working directly with practicing artists, young people see creativity, discipline, and ideas as the building blocks of real professions. Even for those who may not pursue the arts, the experience broadens their understanding of how artists contribute to Akron’s identity, economy, and sense of place.
Families and teachers have seen the difference. Students persist through challenges, problem-solve in new ways, and take pride in completing work that once felt intimidating. Family sharing events reinforce that their ideas matter, and the relationships they build with artists help students feel connected to something larger than themselves.
“This residency has been an amazing opportunity shared with our I Promise School scholars,” says Victoria McGee, Senior Director of the I Promise School and the LeBron James Family Foundation. “The knowledge, expertise, and professional exposure have been priceless. These artists allow students to imagine, dream, and see their creativity. We are honored to have partnerships like this in our very own school and hometown.”
The Visiting Artist Program is one powerful example of what ArtsForward makes possible across Summit County. It shows how creative ideas become meaningful learning experiences when artists, educators, and community partners work together. Most importantly, it reminds us of what can happen when creativity is centered and every young person is given the chance to discover their own voice.
The application period for the fourth and final phase of ArtsForward funding opens on April 1, 2026 and closes on April 19, 2026. Visit the ArtsNow website to learn more and begin applying.
This spotlight was created for GAR's 2025 Impact Report. View the full report by clicking the link below: