AKRON CREATIVE INC
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Mission Statement
The Nightlight is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit movie theater in Akron, Ohio, dedicated to connecting our community through the shared cinema experience.
About This Cause
The Nightlight Cinema is dedicated to bringing the best in independent and arthouse cinema to Greater Akron. By offering thoughtfully curated and quality films that are diverse in scope, The Nightlight fosters connection through a shared cinematic journey - where everyone can experience and celebrate the magic and power of cinema. The Nightlight is the only non-profit art house cinema in Akron and Northeast Ohio. We are dedicated to connecting our community through the shared experience of cinema, fostering cultural enrichment, community engagement, and inclusivity. Through thoughtful curation and programming, we strive to ignite meaningful conversations, bridge communities, and expose our patrons to diverse voices and global perspectives. Over the years, The Nightlight has significantly impacted the city of Akron and Northeast Ohio, hosting nearly 900 special theatrical screenings with over 100,000 attendees. Even during the challenging times brought about by the pandemic, we remained steadfast in our mission, adapting to virtual platforms and hosting 115 virtual screenings that reached over 1400 viewers. Additionally, we organized 22 outdoor showings across multiple locations, bringing together 1600 attendees and providing a sense of connection during much-needed social interaction. To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, The Nightlight has implemented essential measures. We offer closed captioning, accessible seating options, and assisted listening devices, and we maintain a fully ADA-compliant theater and website. We recently launched an affordable membership program, starting at just five dollars a month, to break down entry barriers and expand our reach to college students, young professionals, and residents from all neighborhoods in Akron. This summer, we launched a free outdoor movie series, Cinema in the City, continuing our ongoing commitment to fostering community engagement and accessibility. Utilizing various locations created a safe and communal environment for film enthusiasts to come together and enjoy curated screenings under the open sky. We place immense value on collaboration, recognizing it as a crucial aspect of its mission. Our programming thrives on partnerships and in-person conversations with creatives such as filmmakers, producers, musicians, experts from diverse fields, and cultural and community organizations. Our collaborations have ranged from working with The Sojourner Truth Project and Leadership Akron to joining forces with cultural institutions like the Akron Public Library and the Akron Art Museum. We've also connected with local educational institutions such as Our Lady of the Elms, fostering a love of cinema in younger audiences. The Nightlight has exciting expansion plans as we continue to grow and serve our community. This year, we announced our intention to add a second screen to our existing theater. This expansion project will double our physical footprint and unlock endless possibilities for community engagement and world-class cinema experiences in Akron. With these upgrades, we anticipate attracting an estimated 30,000 visitors annually, increasing traffic to local businesses, hosting virtual global filmmaker conversations, activating an underused high-traffic space, serving diverse audiences simultaneously, and providing our members with an expanded film selection. We believe in the power of film to spark discussions, inspire learning, and cultivate a sense of belonging. We can nurture a vibrant film culture in Northeast Ohio by creating more engagement areas, such as post-film discussion spaces, workshops, and educational activities. A new marquee will brighten up our entire district and create a welcoming beacon for all who visit downtown Akron. A new bar with additional seating will allow our guests to have a space for discussion before and after each film and engage with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. These improvements will solidify The Nightlight's position as a vital cultural hub in Akron and have an immense impact on each person from the moment they approach the theater.