Creative Community Survey Results

Starfall Launch Survey (Responses)

From Fall 2023 to spring 2024

Promoted to NE Ohio region on social media and locally throughout Akron and Cleveland 

95 responses

1. Hometown Cities:

Akron: 43

Cleveland: 33

Kent: 6

Canton: 3

Cuyahoga falls: 2

Columbus: 2

Alliance: 1

Amish country: 1

Massillon: 1

Detroit: 1

Youngstown: 1

2. Cities Artists have traveled to for Art Opportunities

Cleveland: 50 

Ohio City: 24 

Lakewood: 34 

Berea: 1 response

Ashtabula: 4 

Mentor: 8 

Painesville: 1 

Akron: 44

Cuyahoga Falls: 31

Barberton: 13

Hudson: 2 

Richfield: 1

Kent: 25 

Medina: 12 

Canton: 17 

Massillon: 7 

Hartville: 7 

Alliance: 5 

Salem: 2

Youngstown: 6 

Amish Country(Holmes & Tusc Counties): 5 

Wooster: 5

Columbus: 15

Cincinnati: 4

Toledo: 1 

Pittsburgh: 9

Detroit:  7

Other Out of state: 6

3. Distribution of Creative Types:

Artist - 2D: 54 responses.

A Crafter or Maker: 40 

Creative Small Business/Vendor: 30 

Artist - 3D / Sculptor: 24

I just create for fun or as a hobby: 23 

Fiber Artist: 20

Designer: 15 

Arts Admin: 3 

Performance: 3

Photographer 2 

Writer: 1 

Glass Blower: 1 

4. Most Popular Visual Art Related Interests 

(Participants could choose multiple)

Painting: 56

Drawing: 54

Illustration/Animation: 33

Printmaking: 41

Collage/2D Assemblage: 32

Graphic Design: 24

3D Printing: 15

Photography: 2

Sewing/Embroidery: 37

Fibers: 36

Textiles: 37

Ceramics: 34

Sculpture/3D Expanded Media: 26

Woodworking: 28

Glass: 3

Jewelry & Metals: 27

Polymer Clay: 22

Resin: 12

Candle making/ Soap Making: 8

Writing: 3

Performance: 3

5. Quantitative Summary of Preferred Event Types

Vendor & Maker Support Group: 53

Community Craft Circles: 49

Artistic Feedback Nights: 48

Local Business-led Workshops: 44

Making for Charity/Community Volunteering: 39

LGBT+ Craft Nights/support group: 8

Networking Mixers: 7

Studio Equipment Workshop Training Sessions: 4

6. What professional skills would you like help with? 

Social media & Marketing Myself: 42

Applying to Calls for Art & Grant writing: 41

Branding for my Small Business or as an Artist: 32

Starting a creative business? How do I get started selling my art?: 30

Feedback on my art techniques: 29

Feedback on my creative ideas: 28

Booth setup for artists and vendors at events: 25

Product photography/ photographing my work: 21

None: 12

7. Would you be interested in the concept of a collaborative mixer where groups are tasked with creating something together within a few hours?

Yes: 52

Maybe: 28

No: 14

8. What do you love about the Cleveland & Akron Art Community?

50 of the long form written responses talked about the Cleveland & Akron Art Community 

The responses mentioned these ideas as positive aspects of the Art Community for this area.

Supportive: 27

These responses note that when they have interacted with other artists and organizations in the community that they have been friendly and willing to help.

Inclusive/diversity: 11

These responses note that they have felt welcomed and safe in creative spaces. They also recognize the inclusion of diverse backgrounds within art activities and shows.

Small but Thriving art ecosystem: 10

These responses note that they enjoy the “small town” feel of our art community and availability of organizations and events. 

Variety of creative types: 9

These responses note that they see a variety of different artistic mediums represented within our creative community.

Talent: 9

These responses note that the artists within our community are of incredible skill and creativity.

Opportunity: 7

These responses note that there seems to be a lot of opportunities for artists to participate within our art community.

Passionate: 6

These responses note that those within our art community show passion drive for what they do and for enhancing the art in the region.

9. What would you want to improve in the Cleveland & Akron Art Community?

Areas of Improvement for the Cleveland & Akron Art Community

50 of the long form written responses talked about the Cleveland & Akron Art Community 

The responses mentioned these ideas as areas for improvement for the Art Community for this area.

Lack of Connection, Networking, Collaborate Projects: 18

These responses note that there is a lack of tangible connection with the art community. While artists may interact briefly at events, there is no social aspect bringing artists together in support, collaboration, or in a way they could build connections. Many note that this is a common issue in modern society, outside of the artist community. 

[Free] Community Spaces/Artist Gatherings: 17

These responses note the lack of available free space or accessible creative groups for artists to build community and grow as creatives. Many note that this is a common issue in modern society, outside of the artist community. (Often referred to as 3rd spaces)

Awareness of resources: 13

These responses note the issue of marketing the already available resources within the art community and making available support known to those who need it. 

Equity/ unable to financially access opportunities: 11

These responses note the issue of accessibility to resources and opportunities due to the financial cost required for participation. 

Funding: 10

These responses note that there is a lack of access to financial support for creative endeavors for both Arts Administration and individual Artists. 

Professional Skill Building for Beginning Fine Artists and Applied Artists: 8

These responses note a struggle to get started as an artist and overcome the learning barrier to entry, such as learning the business and presentation sides of being a modern entrepreneurial creative. Fine artists wanted to learn how to navigate gallery shows and get started. Applied artists wanted specific education on branding, product presentation, vendor display, and applying to shows. Most responses were from Applied Artists. 

Exposure: 6

These responses note that there is a struggle to be seen within the art community and get their artwork shown. 

Public Awareness/ Individual Support of Artists: 6

These responses note a lack of understanding from the general public of artist’s and art’s value to their communities. This manifests in lack of support, awareness, and buyers for artwork.