14 Stark County organizations nab tourism grants

The Repository
·2 min read
The Cultural Center for the Arts building in downtown Canton houses the Canton Museum of Art and other arts-related organizations. Theater space formerly used by the Players Guild is being rebranded for use by local performing arts groups, with plans for hosting regional and national performers.
The Cultural Center for the Arts building in downtown Canton houses the Canton Museum of Art and other arts-related organizations. Theater space formerly used by the Players Guild is being rebranded for use by local performing arts groups, with plans for hosting regional and national performers.

CANTON – Visit Canton and ArtsinStark have handed out $219,064 in grants to 14 Stark County organizations to boost tourism and support local arts and culture programs.

A committee of five representatives from or appointed by Visit Canton and ArtsInStark reviewed 54 applications requesting over $720,000.

“Our arts, cultural, and historical attractions and events create significant economic impact in our communities through visitor spending, and we look forward to visitors experiencing these exciting events and exhibitions this year," Visit Canton President and CEO Allyson Bussey said in a prepared statement.

David Whitehill, ArtsinStark president and CEO, said the arts community boosts tourism.

"Our museums, galleries, festivals, and amphitheaters draw visitors from wider regions and create opportunities for people to encounter unique experiences," he said.

Which organizations received tourism funding?

The following organizations, communities and businesses received grants:

  • 720 Market: $15,000 to support the 720 MKT from April to September.

  • Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve: $17,952 for “Woven,” a walk-through, interactive, open-air organic weaving exhibit opening in summer.

  • Bluecoats: $20,000 for the Innovations in Brass event on Aug. 7 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

  • Canton Ballet: $29,325 to support performances of "The Nutcracker" in December, "Alice in Wonderland" in May and "New Works" in October.

  • Canton Museum of Art: $37,000 to support the spring, summer/fall and winter exhibition seasons.

  • Canton Palace Theatre Association: $12,500 to support the premiere of "Miracle at Manchester" last month; four interactive concert film experiences throughout the year; and the Centennial Plaza Movie Series.

  • Canton Symphony Orchestra: $37,450 to support the MasterWorks: Magico performance earlier this month; MasterWorks 4: “Scheherazade,” performance in January; and Labra Brothers' Nov. 4 performance in partnership with the Canton Latino Fest at the Canton Palace Theatre.

  • Carnation City Players: $2,240 to support performances of “The Music Man” from Feb. 24 to March 5, and “Always … Patsy Cline” from May 12 to 21 at the Firehouse Theater.

  • Massillon Museum: $20,000 to support the 90th anniversary celebration and exhibition season.

  • McKinley Presidential Library & Museum: $17,000 to promote “Brick Flicks” exhibit on display June 1-Aug. 30.

  • Muggswigz Coffee and Tea Co.: $2,800 to support outdoor open mic series.

  • Sing Stark: $5,150 to support Vox Audio’s “Through the Decades Playlist” performances April 15 at the GlenOak Performing Arts Center, and “Let It Snow” featuring Vox Audio show Dec. 16-17 at the Cultural Center for the Arts.

  • Spring Hill Historic Home: $647 to support the Underground Railroad Experience June 24 event.

  • Raphael Center Inc.: $2,000 to promote the Mother Angelica Museum.

Cultural Tourism Grants are funded through a 10-year cooperative agreement between Visit Canton and ArtsInStark using a portion of Stark County lodging tax.

Cultural Tourism Grant applications for initiatives taking place in 2023 are open. Interested organizations can find more information at visitcanton.com/partners/visit-canton-grant-program.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: 14 Stark County organizations awarded Cultural Tourism Grants