Art & Play: A Collaborative Community Project
The Art and Play project is a community-focused initiative created by the Akron Art Museum (AAM) and Akron Children’s Museum (ACM), generously funded by the Orr Foundation. It aims to provide creative opportunities for children in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood, specifically for youth in grades preK–5 and their families or caregivers.
Through collaboration with local community organizations, Art and Play will distribute 500 Art & Play boxes throughout the neighborhood. These boxes are filled with art supplies, games, and visual idea cards to inspire open-ended, creative play. Each Art & Play box is designed to encourage kids to think creatively and problem-solve, adapting to a variety of age groups, languages, and developmental needs. The contents are carefully curated to foster imagination and hands-on engagement.
Each box includes guest passes to both the Akron Art Museum and Akron Children’s Museum, as well as Metro RTA bus passes for free round-trip transportation. These passes allow families to enjoy the museums’ diverse offerings. At the Akron Art Museum, children and their families can participate in Open Studio sessions, which are hands-on, interactive opportunities to create and learn through art. At the Akron Children’s Museum, the kids can explore specially designed play spaces that encourage learning and discovery through fun, playful interactions.
To bring the project to life, Art and Play has partnered with several local organizations, including The Exchange House, North Hill Community Development Center, North Hill Library, and more. These community partners will help distribute the boxes and support engagement efforts. Each organization will provide valuable insights into the needs of North Hill families, ensuring the kits are as accessible and meaningful as possible for all participants.
The Art & Play boxes contain the following:
- Akron Art Museum and Akron Children’s Museum guest passes
- Metro RTA bus passes
- Monster mascot puppets from ACM for imaginative play
- Supplies from AAM for an open-ended sculpture-making activity, including air-dry clay, pipe cleaners, embellishments, sketchbooks, and idea cards with visual-only prompts to encourage creativity without language barriers
Through this project, Art and Play seeks to foster a love of art, creativity, and play, while promoting accessibility and inclusivity for Akron’s young residents and their families. This initiative not only supports creative engagement but also strengthens community ties by involving local partners and creating a shared space for children and caregivers to enjoy art and play together.
Join Us in Supporting Creative Play
The Art and Play project embodies Akron Art Museum’s commitment to making art accessible to all members of the community and empowering young minds through creative exploration. By partnering with local organizations and distributing resources, the project helps bring meaningful cultural and educational experiences directly to families in North Hill.