I’m incredibly honored to share that I’ve been invited to serve on the board of ArtsInStark—an organization that’s long been at the heart of cultural and creative development in our local Stark County, Ohio, community. If you’re unfamiliar, ArtsInStark is Stark County’s arts council, and it’s responsible for everything from funding innovative local arts programs to managing the iconic Canton Arts District and the Cultural Center for the Arts.
Being part of this organization isn’t just a personal privilege—it’s an opportunity to give back in a way that I believe is deeply connected to our region’s future. Stark County is now recognized as the 8th most arts-vibrant community in the U.S., but we still have work to do. Investing in the arts isn’t just about murals, music, and museum exhibits. It’s about economic growth, community well-being, and the kind of place we all want to live and work in.
The Arts Are an Engine for Economic Growth
Let’s start with business. It might seem like a leap to connect arts funding with economic development, but the data doesn’t lie. The arts bring people together, drive foot traffic to local businesses, create jobs, and increase property values in our community. A vibrant arts scene makes a city or county more attractive to entrepreneurs, professionals, and young talent alike. Want to retain top employees or attract new ones? Make your community a vibrant place where people want to work, live, and stay.
In downtown areas like Canton’s Arts District, you can see this in action. When galleries open, when public art appears on walls, and when festivals and live performances take place, people show up. And when people show up, they eat at restaurants, shop at local stores, stay at hotels, and explore what else the area has to offer. The ripple effect is real. Arts events and venues help create a local economy that doesn’t just serve residents but draws visitors—and their spending power—from across the region.
Beyond tourism and retail, the arts contribute to a community’s ability to innovate. Studies consistently show that creativity fuels problem-solving, teamwork, and big-picture thinking—the same qualities that businesses rely on to grow. When the arts are supported in schools, when public spaces are designed with creativity in mind, and when creative professionals are encouraged to engage with the arts, we’re fostering an environment that supports business not just culturally but practically. The arts aren’t just a reflection of community health—they help build it from the ground up.
Healthy Communities Are Strong Communities
The arts are also a powerful tool for improving health and well-being. Did you know that there are several studies that indicate the arts enhance brain function, affecting brain wave patterns and emotions?
Across the country—and right here in Stark County—creative programs are being used in healthcare settings to reduce stress, support mental health, improve outcomes for our neighbors, and even support the fitness of the elderly. From music and art therapy to dance and song, the arts have a unique ability to promote healing, connection, and emotional expression in ways that traditional treatments often can’t. They also help reduce isolation among seniors, give patients an outlet during long recoveries, and support caregivers and healthcare workers with creative relief.
In education, the impact is just as significant. Students involved in the arts consistently perform better academically, have higher attendance rates, and show stronger problem-solving and communication skills. The ArtsInStark SmARTS program boosts academic achievement by integrating the arts into classroom learning. Since its start in 2009, SmArts has reached over 30,000 students across all 17 public school districts and Catholic schools in Stark County.
Arts education fosters critical thinking and empathy—skills that benefit students far beyond the classroom. But it goes even deeper: the arts give young people a sense of identity and confidence, especially for those who may not thrive in more traditional academic subjects. When schools and communities support access to the arts, they’re opening the door to deeper learning and brighter futures.
And beyond health and education, the arts strengthen civic life in ways that are hard to measure but easy to feel. They create common ground in divided times. They give people a reason to gather, to celebrate, to mourn, to hope, and to imagine something better together. They breathe life into overlooked spaces and connect neighbors who might otherwise never meet. When we invest in the arts, we’re not just decorating our cities—we’re building healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities.
Everyone Can Support the Arts
You don’t have to be an artist or a patron of the Canton Symphony to support the arts. Show up downtown for an event. Attend a local gallery opening. Buy a ticket to a show. Volunteer. Donate what you can. Support a local restaurant. Or just help spread the word about organizations like ArtsInStark that are working every day to make our community a more inspiring place to live.
I’m excited to contribute what I can to this mission through my role on the board. But we all have a part to play. The arts aren’t a luxury, in my opinion. They’re a foundational piece of who we are and who we can become as a community.
Let’s invest in that future together. Please connect and follow ArtsInStark to keep up with all the great news and events that are happening in our community. Consider how you might support or donate to the arts this year to impact our community.