As we begin to wrap up 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on the energy, creativity, and community spirit that shaped this year in Stark County. The Canton Culture Collective exists to inspire, promote, and connect, but this work has never been about us. It’s about the people, organizations, venues, and partnerships that make our community vibrant.
This letter isn’t a list of our accomplishments. It’s a celebration of the moments that reminded us why arts, culture, and community matter. It’s about why showing up together makes a real difference. Our role is simply to be present, offer support, amplify great work, and encourage others to get involved.
What follows is just a brief look at where we attempted to inspire, promote, and connect across our community in 2025. And if you’d like to celebrate along with us in person, we invite you to attend our 2nd Annual Community Celebration on Thursday, November 20th, 2025!
Supporting the Campaign for the Arts – ArtsInStark
We attended and supported ArtsInStark’s Campaign for the Arts — the county-wide fundraising initiative that fuels grants, public art, education programs, and the daily operations of our region’s major arts organizations. This year, the campaign surpassed its $1.4 million goal. Next year will be even bigger and more impactful, so please consider getting involved or donating. Learn more
Stark County Urban League Black & White Ball
We joined community leaders at the Stark County Urban League’s Black & White Ball, a night honoring progress, equity, and empowerment. Events like this highlight the intersection of culture and community leadership, reminding us how important it is to support organizations that strengthen opportunities for all. Learn More
Canton Symphony Orchestra: Bourbon & Blues
Bourbon & Blues brought people together for music, connection, and support of the Canton Symphony Orchestra. We were proud to attend and help uplift an organization that continues to evolve, rebuild, and enrich our region with world-class music. Learn More
Canton Palace Theatre: Canton Prom
Canton Prom is a fun and meaningful way to support the historic Palace Theatre — a cultural landmark at the heart of downtown. Our presence helped highlight the importance of preserving creative spaces that belong to everyone. Learn More
A Symphony of Colors – Canton Symphony Orchestra
This multi-sensory CSO experience blended live music with visual artistry. We supported this event because it demonstrated how creativity across disciplines can deepen connection and bring audiences together in new ways. Learn More
Canton First Fridays
Throughout the year, CCC members attended and supported many First Friday events — monthly celebrations of artists, performers, makers, small businesses, and our vibrant downtown community. First Fridays are a cornerstone of Canton’s cultural life, and we encourage everyone to show up and explore. Learn More
National First Ladies Library “Eras” Exhibit Opening
We were honored to attend the opening of the National First Ladies Library’s Eras Exhibit: 250 Years of First Ladies Progress and Power. This two-year exhibit highlights leadership, history, and the evolving cultural role of First Ladies. Supporting this institution, especially during its 25th anniversary, is vital to preserving and sharing Canton’s unique place in national history. Learn More
Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build
CCC members joined the Women’s Build to help create safe, stable housing for local families. While not strictly an arts event, this work aligns with our belief that strong communities build strong cultural foundations. Creativity and compassion rise together. Learn More
Surface and Structure: A Dialogue in Texture Gallery Opening
We attended the opening of Surface and Structure: A Dialogue in Texture at the ArtsinStark-operated gallery inside the Cultural Center for the Arts in downtown Canton. The exhibit showcases how local artists are using texture and form across painting, ceramics, fiber art and more. Events like this matter—they keep our region’s creative spaces alive and invite the community to engage with art in meaningful ways. Learn More
She Elevates – Girls Night Out
We supported Girls Night Out at The One Center, an event rooted in empowering young girls through leadership and entrepreneurship. Creativity thrives when the next generation has confidence and opportunity, and we were proud to be part of the celebration. Learn More
Soaring Soirée – In Partnership with Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
CCC collaborated with the Canton Chamber for the first-ever Soaring Soirée, held during the Balloon Classic. The event benefited ArtsInStark and brought the business and arts communities together — exactly the type of cross-sector partnership that strengthens our collective impact. Learn More
Click here to view the full gallery of this event.
Songs in the Sky – VIP Collaboration for the CSO
We helped host the VIP experience for Songs in the Sky, a fundraiser for the Canton Symphony Orchestra set among glowing hot air balloons. The evening captured everything we believe in: community, creativity, and shared moments that bring people closer to the arts.
Looking Ahead
2025 reminded us that arts and culture flourish when people show up. When we support each other, champion local talent, invest in organizations doing meaningful work, and celebrate creativity and community in all its forms, we can make a real difference.
In 2026, we will continue to promote events, build connections, support artists and organizations, and encourage more people across Stark County to get involved. The arts belong to everyone, and our community grows stronger when more people join in.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you attended a concert, visited an exhibit, shared an event on social media, volunteered, or simply encouraged someone else to explore the arts, you are helping shape the cultural heartbeat of our community.
If 2025 reminded us what’s possible when a community shows up, 2026 is our chance to take it even further, together.
Canton Culture Collective
Inspire. Promote. Connect.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign-up to receive future emails.