Connecting arts, business and community

When asked what the Canton Culture Collective is about, members of the leadership team – Lindsay Zimmerman, Kasie Travaglione and Darla Brown – give the same answer: inspiring, connecting and promoting local arts and culture in Stark County and beyond.

The group’s more than 22 active volunteers leverage their shared love of the arts and the community to help local organizations and businesses grow and succeed. Those efforts may support art-related projects or nonprofit organizations serving the community.

“We are a group of volunteers who want to give back, and we go where we are called when it comes to supporting our community,” the leaders said.

Zimmerman, who helped start the group several years ago, said the volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and careers but share a common commitment to art, culture and community. The group’s work was temporarily disrupted during the COVID pandemic but relaunched in spring 2024.

“Our mission is to shine a spotlight on local artists, art galleries and nonprofit organizations,” Zimmerman said. “We work together to build awareness and exposure to arts and culture organizations through organized promotional efforts. Our group of professionals comes from backgrounds in promotion, public relations, relationship-building and other skills that support a wide range of projects.”

The Canton Culture Collective assists organizations and artists with events such as exhibits by helping plan themes, décor and entertainment, among other services. The group provides its services at no cost to those it supports, though artists, nonprofits or businesses may be responsible for material or related expenses. For example, the Collective may design a brochure and connect an artist with a printer at no charge, while the artist covers printing costs.

Projects the Collective supported in the past year include the Campaign for the Arts with ArtsinStark, the Stark County Urban League Black and White Ball, the Canton Symphony Orchestra’s Bourbon and Blues and A Symphony of Colors events, the Canton Palace Theatre’s Canton Prom, Canton First Fridays, Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build, She Elevates – Girls Night Out, and the Soaring Soiree with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, among others.

Zimmerman said promoting the arts and building connections between artists, businesses and community organizations is essential.

Kasie Travaglione, a founding member and vice president of marketing and membership, said art plays an important role in all aspects of life.

“I believe that art is important to every area of life,” Travaglione said. “I like being the connecting point between the non-arts community and the arts community.”

She added that promotion is vital for artists and galleries. “Awareness and promotion are critical for successful events, such as art shows and fundraisers. Making artists aware of businesses in the community that can help them succeed is significant,” she said. “I’m not an artist, but I believe it’s important to bring people together to celebrate the arts, bring more eyes to artists’ work and more customers to their businesses.”

Darla Brown, also a founding member of the Collective and vice president of marketing and membership at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, said a strong arts community benefits everyone.

“At the broadest level, it is vital to have an arts community because it boosts the economy, strengthens a community and supports culture,” Brown said. “Building connections supports culture and builds stronger communities. The purpose of our group is to shine a spotlight on people who may not otherwise have the opportunity. One of the ways we can be strong is by showing up and bringing others into that space.”

All three leaders said the Collective works not only with large organizations but also with individual artists, smaller groups and galleries.

Brown noted that the group recently supported a local artist’s exhibit by attending the opening, promoting the event through social media and connecting the artist with others who could offer support.

Travaglione added that the Collective often highlights individual artists at its events to help expand their reach.

Zimmerman said many people in Stark County may be unaware of the breadth of arts activity happening locally, and the group is committed to making those connections.

“Connectivity is important to the arts community and the community overall,” Zimmerman said. “Stark County has many great organizations doing meaningful work, but not everyone knows about them. We bring people together so they can learn, connect and possibly get involved.

“And we are having a lot of fun,” she added. “It feels good to work with people for a purpose beyond yourself and help create positive change.”

For more information or to contact the Canton Culture Collective, visit cantonculturecollective.com.