Our Family Tree
Learn about the generous donors who have established charitable funds through Stark Community Foundation.
When ArtsinStark started down the path five years ago of developing a strategic plan that would broaden and strengthen its story, it did so with a compelling vision – a vision designed to integrate the arts into long-term plans for economic development in five communities by the year 2020. In the early phases of this ambitious plan, ArtsinStark knew that in order to support these dreams it would need at least a $25 million endowment.
ArtsinStark turned to Stark Community Foundation to help set the stage for making this happen. In 2012, the arts council’s board of directors passed a motion unanimously to move its $14 million endowment to Stark Community Foundation, making it the Foundation’s largest new fund in its history.
“We made a commitment to create a better Stark County,” said Robb Hankins, president and CEO of ArtsinStark. “In doing so, we positioned ArtsinStark for future growth by moving our endowment, and we’ve made exceptional progress toward achieving our innovative plans set forth in our 20/20 Vision.”
Today, the arts council is halfway to 2020 and fulfilling its vision.
In downtown Canton, ArtsinStark created the Arts District with 26 art galleries and studios where it produces monthly First Fridays, and has installed 50 new pieces of public art. Building on Canton’s success, work has already begun to revitalize the arts culture in downtown Alliance, Jackson Township, Louisville, Massillon and Minerva.
You’ll find a number of new businesses in Alliance’s arts district, a historical mural and storefront art gallery in downtown Minerva, a sidewalk museum in Louisville, arts-infused academic programs in Jackson schools and crowded venues each month for Massillon’s 2nd Saturday. Most recently, four historical murals were installed in downtown Louisville and ArtsinStark celebrated its 100th First Friday.
As part of ArtsinStark’s 20/20 Vision, significant progress has also been made on its five county-wide initiatives: education, artists, tourism, public art and innovation. In addition, over the last decade, the arts council has increased private-sector giving to the arts by 85%.
“This speaks volumes to the importance and value people place in the arts,” said Hankins. “Loyal and supportive donors are allowing us to continue our great work in the community, and it’s my hope that everyone who lives in and visits Stark County can see how artists are helping to tell Stark County’s story through multiple forms of art.”