North Summit News

State Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) announced that the Akron Art Museum will receive $2 million in funding from Substitute House Bill 2, which was passed with the support of Senator Roegner. This bill is part of Ohio's two-year construction budget for capital projects.

The funds will be used to construct the Center for Discovery at the museum. The new center will feature a digital gallery, classroom and educational space, and immersive artist-created areas designed for all ages.

"The Center for Discovery will allow new and returning patrons to experience art in a new way,” said Roemer. “The Akron Art Museum, a cherished part of the community since 1922, will continue to provide enrichment through art with this project.”

Alexandra Houser Vukoder, chief advancement and communications officer at the Akron Art Museum, expressed gratitude on behalf of the museum: "On behalf of the entire Museum and our visitors, we extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Roemer for his steadfast support of our capital request to fund the Museum's renovation of our 1899 building into the Center for Digital Discovery. His commitment to fostering creativity and sparking innovation for our community including young visitors, students, and multigenerational households is invaluable, and we are excited about the transformative impact this funding will have."

The legislation was signed by Ohio Governor DeWine on June 28.