27 winners were announced in the Knight Arts Challenge Akron on March 15.

The second challenge is open now for your ideas. It closes May 2, 2016. See below for a list of informational events.

You are here because, like us, you believe the arts are the highest form of human expression. They describe beauty, speak to our soul, engage and enrich us. They celebrate our community’s diversity and our shared experience. The arts inspire.

It’s your turn to inspire Akron’s vibrant local arts scene and enrich the city’s neighborhoods. The Knight Arts Challenge Akron is a $3 million, three-year initiative to draw the best and most innovative ideas out of local organizations and individuals seeking to engage and enrich the community through the arts.  Whether you’re an independent artist, business, established arts institution, organization or individual – we want to hear from you. No idea is too large or too small, as long as it follows three basic rules:

1. Your idea is about arts.
2. Your project takes place in or benefits Akron.
3. You find other funding to match Knight Foundation’s grant.

Learn more at one of our Community Conversation events, where Knight Foundation staff will offer insights and tips on applying:

5:30 p.m. April 11, The Nightlight Cinema, 30 N. High St. RSVP

Noon April 12, Maple Valley Library Branch, 1187 Copley Rd. RSVP

5 p.m. April 12, The University of Akron, Myers School of Art, 150 E. Exchange St. (Folk Hall, Room 165) RSVP

5:30 p.m. April 13, East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp., 550 S. Arlington St. RSVP

Noon April 14, Kent State University, Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive (Ludwig Recital Hall)RSVP

5:30 p.m. April 14, The International Institute of Akron, 207 E. Tallmadge Ave. RSVP

11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. April 15, Mustard Seed Market & Café, 867 W. Market St.; RSVP for 11:30 a.m.; RSVP for 4:30 p.m.

Knight Foundation’s Kris LeCorgne will also host Office Hours, where he can answer questions individually, at noon April 13 at the Akron Art Museum’s Cafe. First come, first served.

Read the  FAQ to learn more, and browse through all previous Knight Arts Challenge winners in Miami, Philadelphia, Detroit and St. Paul, Minn.