The Akron Area Arts Alliance (AAAA) is a non-profit 501(c)3 advocacy organization promoting arts and cultural activities in Summit, Portage and Medina Counties.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Akron Area Arts Alliance is to utilize its collective resources to:
(1) foster communication and coordination among area cultural organizations;
(2) generate greater awareness and participation in the arts and humanities in all segments of the community;
(3) promote the value of arts and humanities to local governments and advocate their financial investment in community cultural activities,
(4) participate in any activities that will expand and strengthen the arts in the Greater Akron area.

Activities
Summit Artspace Gallery, located at 140 E. Market Street in downtown Akron, is dedicated to displaying works by artists living, working or attending schools in Summit, Portage and Medina Counties. It is open Thursday-Saturday 12-5 pm. Admission and parking are free.
CLICK HERE to visit Summit Artspace's website.

Summit Artspace
Summit Artspace, a project of AAAA in cooperation with Summit County, is a community arts center being established at 140 E. Market Street. The goal is to provide inexpensive studio, rehearsal and classroom space plus offices for non-profit arts organizations.
CLICK HERE to visit Summit Artspace's website.

ArtCetera
ArtCetera is an arts appreciation and social group for young professionals ages 25-40. Members can attend a series of six arts events/social gatherings per year.
CLICK HERE to visit ArtCetera's website.

Arts Alive! Awards
This celebration of arts and culture is held every two years. It recognizes outstanding achievement in the visual, musical and performing arts plus volunteerism, leadership and support. The gala evening is filled with exciting entertainment, grand dining, arts auction and awards ceremony. It will be held again in November 2007. The public can call 330-376-8480 to be added to the invitation list.
CLICK HERE to visit the Arts Alive! page and learn about past award recipients.

Arts Calendar
Arts Calendar
AAAA produces both a printed and online Arts Calendar. The printed calendar features a four-month schedule of daily arts and culture activities provided by AAAA members. A total of 30,000 are distributed free throughout the area at schools, libraries, theaters and galleries.
CLICK HERE to visit the online Arts Calendar.

Education Programming Guide
The Education Programming Guide lists youth programming offered by AAAA members to schools and youth organizations throughout Summit, Medina and Portage Counties.
CLICK HERE to visit the Education page.

Meetings
AAAA holds membership meetings in January, April, June and October. These meetings also allow members to discuss and work on areas of common interest, i.e. media, funding, marketing, cultural diversity, collaboration building, advocacy, education, etc.

AAAA Membership
Membership is open to not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organizations in Summit, Portage and Medina Counties that have as their primary mission promoting arts and culture. Individual artists or arts supporters are also welcomed as members. Current membership totals 44 arts and cultural organizations and 72 individuals. Organizational members include museums, visual and performing arts groups, theatres, university fine arts departments and environmental institutions. AAAA member organizations pay dues ranging from $100 to $700, based on budget size. Individual memberships are $40 and $65. For further information please contact the AAAA Office Manager at 330-376-8480 or download an application on-line.
CLICK HERE to download an AAAA application.

History
The Akron Area Arts Alliance (AAAA) was founded in 1991 by arts advocates Ann Amer Brennan and Mary Ann Jackson, who recognized that the area’s arts and cultural organizations were struggling with similar problems. They brought together 12 organizations to discuss and act upon common concerns. The AAAA was incorporated and received its not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) in 1998. Because of the organization’s growth and increasing services to its members and the community, the AAAA hired a director and opened a downtown Akron office in September 1999. It opened Summit Artspace Gallery in September 2002.

Funding
The organization’s funding includes yearly dues and personal contributions. Currently it receives support from Akron Community Foundation, Summit County, GAR Foundation, OMNOVA Solutions Foundation, The Brennan Family Foundation, Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation, Inc., The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, and Ohio Arts Council. AAAA holds its fundraiser – the Arts Alive! Awards – every two years. CLICK HERE for information on supporting AAAA.