What happens when food insecurity and arts funding collide? In this conversation, Angela Meleca and Lynnette Shy (Confluence Art Solutions) explore how we can discuss the arts’ impact in a world where millions face hunger and crises of basic needs. Angela challenges arts leaders to reframe their messaging so it isn’t tone-deaf to broader societal struggles—arguing that art is food for the human spirit.
Together, they unpack how arts participation strengthens empathy, confidence, and belonging—the same human outcomes that sustain communities through hardship. The two discuss whether decades of undervaluing arts education have led to a creativity deficit, how automation has reshaped our sense of humanity, and why creativity may be the only truly cross-sector skill that connects us all.
This is a powerful conversation about reframing relevance: positioning the arts not as “extra,” but as essential nourishment for human resilience and connection.
This is ARTS Redefined.
#Angela Meleca, #Lynnette Shy #artsadvocacy #foodinsecurity #communityresilience #empathy #belonging #creativity #artseducation #artsfunding #socialimpact #artsrelevance #ReframetoResonate #RenaissanceofRelevance #ReturnonArt #ROAframework #nonprofitleadership #creativesector #artsandhumanity #ARTSRedefinedpodcast
www.melecacreative.com
www.https://confluence-arts.com/
When your funding pitch starts with a budget gap, you position your organization as a cost. When you start with the gap in your community, you position yourself as the solution — and solutions get funded. In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca shares how arts leaders can shift their messaging to lead with impact, not shortfalls. Drawing from more than $160 million in secured arts funding, Angela walks you through three practical steps to identify the community gap you fill, measure the change you create, and make every pitch about outcomes funders value.
Ready to reframe your messaging for more funding? Download the free Arts Advocacy Toolkit at melecacreative.com/advocacy-toolkit and start leading with solutions today.
Are you still trying to prove your value with ticket sales and attendance numbers—only to see funding stay flat or disappear altogether? In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca explains why the traditional case for arts funding is no longer effective—and what we must do differently to achieve sustainable investment in the arts.
You’ll hear how 20 arts organizations are already using real-time data to show outcomes that truly matter: confidence, belonging, creative skills, and job preparedness. This is the kind of evidence funders value—and the case that will shift how we’re funded in the future.
If you’re tired of fighting for resources with outdated talking points, it’s time to reframe your case and prove the transformational impact of your work.
🔗 Download the Free Advocacy Toolkit: https://melecacreative.com/advocacy-toolkit
📅 Book a 1:1 Strategy Call: https://calendly.com/melecacreative/1-1-chat
Across the country, DEI language is quietly being erased—from strategic plans to university websites. But if the words are gone, what remains?
In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with a group of arts policy students from Miami University to explore what it means to lead with values when the language is no longer safe. Together, they reflect on how equity can live in actions, decisions, and institutional practices—even when the acronym disappears.
This candid conversation moves beyond performative allyship and toward a deeper question: What does it truly mean to embed DEI in our DNA?
Whether you're navigating changes in policy, funding, or internal culture, this episode offers perspective, clarity, and a look at how the next generation prepares to lead.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction – Setting the stage for what’s at stake
02:08 Student fears and the politics of language
06:40 When DEI becomes performative
10:55 What it means to live values, not just name them
15:20 Lessons from the playground: empathy, inclusion, and memory
19:00 DEI in our DNA: how leadership makes values visible
24:15 Closing reflections and what future leaders are asking from us
If your organization serves 100 students, what happens to those students? In this episode, Alan Harrison, author of Scene Change, delivers a sobering truth: producing art is no longer enough. In a post-NEA world, funders will demand data, not anecdotes.
We unpack:
Why arts nonprofits are losing funding—and relevance
The difference between teaching and educating
What it means to become a movement instead of just a mission
How to survive this shift by measuring impact in real-time
This episode is for arts leaders, funders, and policymakers who know it’s time to stop justifying the arts—and start proving them.
[00:00] Cold Open: “So what? What did they get out of it?”
[01:20] The truth about 501(c)(3)s and arts orgs
[07:50] Why arts orgs are failing funders
[15:00] What comes after the NEA
[22:00] Introducing a new tool to prove impact
[27:00] Impact Squared explained
Alan Harrison, Author Scene Change, Scene Change 2
What does it take to future-proof the arts?
In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela P. Meleca is joined by arts entrepreneur and professor Jeffrey Nytch to address the pressing need for new skills, models, and approaches to make a lasting impact.
Angela and Jeffrey explore why arts organizations must move beyond adapting — and start leading — by getting proximate to the communities they serve, building strategic partnerships, and embracing bold programming.
They discuss:
Why transferable skills from the arts are critical to the innovation economy
How creativity strengthens STEM fields
Why audience engagement must go beyond traditional models
New ways to measure arts impact and relevance in 2025
If you’re ready to lead the future of the arts — not just survive it — this conversation is your blueprint.
Jeffrey Nytch
https://www.colorado.edu/music/jeffrey-nytch
In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela P. Meleca sits down with Wilma K. Mullet, Executive Director of the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership, for a powerful conversation about resilience, resourcefulness, and redefining what the arts mean to a community. Wilma shares the challenges and triumphs of leading a rural arts organization in Tuscarawas County, Ohio—from navigating funding limitations to building coalitions across sectors.
They explore the vital role of public officials in supporting the arts, the importance of building trust, and how community can be a lifeline for artists and organizations alike. This is a must-listen for anyone working in rural or underfunded communities, or those looking to reimagine what arts leadership looks like outside major metro areas.
Key Takeaways:
Resourcefulness is critical for rural arts organizations.
Collaboration can be more powerful than funding alone.
Public officials can be key allies—if relationships are built.
Perseverance and trust are as valuable as budgets.
Community engagement starts with creating a welcoming environment.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Introduction to Creative Placemaking
06:37 – Funding and Financial Strategies for Arts Organizations
08:58 – Challenges in Rural Arts Funding
12:00 – Resourcefulness in the Arts
15:07 – Building Relationships with Stakeholders
17:59 – The Role of Community and Public Officials
20:46 – Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
23:58 – The Transformative Power of Arts in Communities
27:09 – DEI and Community Needs
30:01 – Future Aspirations for TAP
32:51 – Defining Art and Closing Thoughts
https://www.tuscarawasartspartnership.org/
Connect with Angela Meleca:
🌐 Website: www.melecacreative.com
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelapmeleca/
📧 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelapmeleca/
Follow @ARTSRedefined for practical tips and content on arts advocacy.
What if creativity isn’t just something kids do—but something we all need to thrive?
In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca is joined by Victoria Lozano, EVP of Marketing at Crayola. Together, they discuss why creativity is one of the most critical life skills we can nurture—not just in children, but across every profession. From reimagining Crayola’s brand to launching the global Crayola Creativity Week, Victoria shares how the company is helping to redefine how we think about the arts in education and beyond.
Takeaways include:
Creativity is a behavior, not just a talent
We’re un-teaching creativity without realizing it
Crayola is moving beyond products to experiences, content, and advocacy
Inclusion in creative expression starts with how we see ourselves
Educators and parents have tools to foster creativity in simple, daily ways
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Creativity
01:40 Myths and Misconceptions about Creativity
04:35 Creative Behaviors and Lifelong Skills
07:36 Evolving Beyond Products: Crayola's New Direction
11:59 Nostalgia vs. Innovation in Creative Experiences
14:28 The Future of Creativity in Education
18:32 Inclusion and Diversity in Creativity
20:01 The Role of Creativity in the Next Decade
20:43 Resources for Educators
22:37 Defining Art and Its Impact
Victoria Lozano is Chief Marketing Officer at Crayola LLC, where she oversees all aspects of marketing and consumer engagement for one of the world’s most iconic and cherished brands. For over 120 years, Crayola has been synonymous with nurturing children’s creativity. Today, it is recognized as one of the most culturally resonant, authentic, and trusted brands globally.
https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/
In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with writer, creative mentor, and Rebel Writers Workshop founder Neno Littlewood for a refreshingly honest conversation about how we create, evolve, and keep going—even when life gets messy.
From navigating ADHD and dyslexia to building a creative business and reshaping her personal identity, Neno shares how embracing her story—and the imperfect drafts along the way—became her greatest source of power. This is for every arts leader, creator, and nonprofit professional who’s ever felt stuck or sidelined by perfectionism, burnout, or fear.
We talk about:
Why perfectionism kills creativity
How embracing “the shitty first draft” helps you grow
Reframing failure as evolution
Why mentorship and community matter
How stories rewire the brain and move people to act
This isn’t just a conversation about writing—it’s about the courage to become who you are. For Relevance Rachel, it’s a reminder that art is the act of creating—whether it’s a business, a painting, or a new path forward.
0:00 – Cold Open: There is no failure, only giving up
2:00 – Hustling vs. evolving
5:45 – Why we must normalize failure in the arts
7:30 – There’s always a way—creative solutions for burnout
10:30 – Storytelling, neuroscience, and empathy
17:00 – The Rebel Writers Workshop: helping others start
20:00 – Breaking personal narratives through art
26:30 – Journaling, affirmations, and daily practices
30:00 – Defining art as any act of creation
32:30 – Discount code for Neno’s workshop
🌐 Website: www.melecacreative.com
📱 Instagram: @angelapmeleca
📧 LinkedIn: Angela Meleca
📺 YouTube: ARTS Redefined
Follow @ARTSRedefined for practical tips and content on arts advocacy.
Chapters:Website: Writersrebellion.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nenoswritersrebellion/Link to Rebel Writers Workshop: https://www.writersrebellion.com/store/p/rebel-writers-workshopUse code ARTS10 for $10 off the workshop.
Is it possible for arts fundraising to be its art form?
In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca is joined by Matt Hugg—founder of Nonprofit.Courses and expert in nonprofit fundraising. Together, they challenge conventional approaches to development and explore how creativity isn’t just for the stage or the canvas—it’s the secret weapon in donor relationships, storytelling, and fundraising.
If you're an arts leader tired of transactional fundraising and ready to connect more authentically with your supporters, this conversation is a must-listen.
You’ll learn:
Why creativity is your fundraising superpower
How to reframe “non-arts” work as creative work
Common disconnects in data, relationships, and storytelling
A mindset shift that can transform your development strategy
Relevance isn’t reserved for your programming—it belongs in your fundraising too.
Are the arts once again under attack? In this powerful episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with Tom Tresser, a renowned civic educator, grassroots advocate, and tireless champion of democracy and creative freedom. Tom reveals why the arts and nonprofit sectors must urgently evolve from advocacy to activism and why creative professionals must step up and run for office. Drawing from over 50 years of frontline experience, including the battle to save the NEA during the 1990s Culture Wars, Tom lays out practical, actionable strategies for artists, arts leaders, and organizations to reclaim political power and effectively defend the future of the arts. Don’t miss this candid conversation on moving beyond outdated tactics and securing sustainable support for the arts.
Tom Tresser
Civic Educator. Public Defender.
Book time with Tom - tom@tresser.com
Stay connected to my work by subscribing to my “CivicNotes” Substack newsletter. Recent work -> click here.
Read my latest piece in The Nonprofit Quarterly -> “How to Stop TIFs & Megaprojects”
What happens when the system designed to support the arts starts narrowing the door of opportunity?
Josh Benson, Executive Director of the Marion Cultural and Civic Center, mural artist, and co-host of There’s No Business Like podcast, joins me to discuss the funding challenges facing arts organizations today. From shifting National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) directives to the Kennedy Center's financial struggles, the landscape for arts funding is changing fast, often leaving rural and mid-sized organizations behind.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ Why traditional funding models aren’t working for rural arts organizations
✅ The latest on the Kennedy Center crisis & NEA’s evolving priorities
✅ How creative placemaking and grassroots engagement can secure funding
✅ What arts organizations must do to adapt and stay relevant
If your organization is feeling the squeeze, you’re not alone. Stay tuned for insights on navigating these turbulent times and securing the future of the arts.
Josh Benson, There's No Business Like Podcast
We have raised a generation afraid to talk to people—hesitant to make a phone call, nervous about face-to-face interactions, and struggling with basic workplace communication. But here’s the thing: theatre and the performing arts have always been the ultimate training ground for real human connection.
In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with Audrey Durbin, who made the surprising transition from theatre to corporate banking. They break down how the performing arts provide transferable skills that prepare graduates to hit the ground running in any industry.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear
✔️ How theatre develops confidence, leadership, and communication skills
✔️ Why businesses should actively recruit arts graduates
✔️ The hidden connection between storytelling and corporate success
✔️ How creative professionals can position themselves as experts in soft skills training
✔️ Practical strategies to counter the screen-dominant world and help young people thrive in real-world interactions
If you’ve wondered how the performing arts prepare students for high-impact careers, this episode is your answer. Whether you're an educator, a hiring manager, or an advocate for arts in workforce development, this conversation is a must-listen.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of the Arts in Professional Development
02:56 Transferring Skills from Theater to Corporate America
05:57 The Importance of Storytelling and Communication
09:02 Building Resilience and Navigating Challenges
11:56 Embracing Uncomfortable Situations for Growth
What if AI could give you 10+ hours back every week? AI isn’t replacing artists—it’s helping us reclaim time for creativity, strategy, and impact. In this episode, I sit down with Matt Fornito to show you exactly how AI can be your best creative tool—not your competition.
AI isn’t replacing artists—it’s removing barriers that keep us from creating.
Imagine having 10 extra hours a week to focus on what matters—creativity, storytelling, and audience engagement. AI can make that happen.
In this episode of ARTS Redefined, I sit down with Matt Fornito, AI expert and CEO of the AI Advisory Group, to break down:
✅ The most prominent myths about AI and creativity
✅ How AI can automate the admin work so you can focus on strategy
✅ The best AI tools for arts leaders to free up time and increase impact
✅ How to use AI for audience research, marketing, and funding strategies
✅ The ONE mistake arts leaders can’t afford to make when it comes to AI
AI isn’t just for tech—it’s for arts organizations, creatives, and changemakers looking to work smarter, not harder.
Chapters:
00:00 - AI Won’t Replace Artists, But…
00:10 - The #1 Benefit of AI for Creatives
00:30 - How AI Saves 10+ Hours a Week
00:50 - What Arts Organizations Are Getting Wrong
01:10 - AI’s Role in Funding, Marketing & Engagement
01:30 - The Biggest Mistake: Ignoring AI
Matt Fornito (www.theaiag.com, AI expert and CEO of the AI Advisory Group
AI isn’t here to replace creativity but to amplify it. But how do we ensure AI gives us time back instead of adding more meetings and inefficiencies? And more importantly, how do we use that time to focus on creativity, innovation, and impact?
In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with
Matt Fornito (www.theaiag.com, AI expert and CEO of the AI Advisory Group, to explore:
If you’ve been hesitant about AI or unsure how to integrate it into your creative work, this episode is for you. AI is a tool—let’s use it to do what we do best: create.
Chapters
00:00 The Role of AI in Creativity
04:51 Empowering Creatives with Technology
10:11 Adapting to AI in the Arts
15:07 Leveraging AI for Efficiency
19:56 Understanding Audience Engagement with AI
25:01 Best Practices and Tools for AI
30:10 Data-Driven Creativity and Impact
35:10 Defining Art and Its Emotional Connection
Subscribe to ARTS Redefined for more insights that help the arts sector thrive.
What happens when burnout takes over your creative career? Amanda Greaves, award-winning interior designer turned personal transformation coach, shares how she walked away from success to reclaim her purpose. In this episode, we discuss the power of self-reflection, breaking free from expectations, and the steps to realigning your work with your well-being.
Chapters
00:00Navigating Burnout in Creative Industries
09:52The Importance of Self-Reflection and Healing
19:51Embracing Change and Creative Growth
🌎 Learn more about Amanda: www.amandagreaves.com
Creativesdon’t just make things look good—we solve problems. But if we don’t explain thecomplexity of our work, how can we expect others to value it?
In this episode, architect and CEOTim Hawk joinsARTS Redefined to tackle thebiggest misconceptions about creative work, why societydesperately needs more creative problem-solvers, and how we canadvocate for the arts differently.
🔹 Whycreatives must explain their process to gain support
🔹 Thefunding gap—why the arts struggle compared to other sectors
🔹 Howvulnerability in the creative process builds trust
🔹 Why the arts shouldstop chasing perfection and start embracing the process
Creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.Listen now to learn how we can reclaim our value.
Chapters
00:00 The Creative Mindset: Breaking Stereotypes
03:05 The Importance of Context in Creativity
06:06 Empathy and Communication in the Arts
08:57 The Value of Collaboration Across Industries
11:46 Rethinking the Role of Arts in Society
14:58 Navigating Complexity in Creative Processes
17:49 The Intersection of Art and Architecture
21:09 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Creativity
24:09 Lessons from Failure and Growth
26:49 The Future of Creative Collaboration
Tim Hawk, FAIA
www.wsastudio.com
Artists are often the first to revitalize communities—so why do they keep getting priced out? In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with Al Delorenzo to explore how we can integrate artists into community development from the start, ensuring they thrive instead of being displaced.
We dive into:
The era of the starving artist is over. It’s time to build an economy where artists are valued, integrated, and financially supported.
Listen now and join the movement to reshape the future for artists!
🔗 Follow Angela Meleca for more insights on arts advocacy, funding strategies, and creative economy solutions.
📩 Subscribe to ARTS Redefined wherever you get your podcasts.
How can dance transform lives beyond the stage? In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with Rachel Nace, Artistic Director of Oyo Dance Company, to explore the profound impact of dance on individuals and communities. Rachel shares her journey of leading a diverse and inclusive dance company focusing on social justice, emotional well-being, and storytelling through movement. Together, Angela and Rachel discuss the challenges of measuring the arts' intrinsic value, the importance of empathy and innovation, and why data is the future of arts funding.
Key Takeaways:
Don't miss this insightful conversation about how dance connects us to humanity and why the arts deserve a seat at the table.
Website: www.oyodancecompany.org
Facebook: Oyo Dance Company on Facebook
Instagram: @oyodancecompany
YouTube: Oyo Dance Company on YouTube
Next Public Performance: March 1st at CPAC, Downtown
🌐 Website: www.melecacreative.com
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelapmeleca/
📧 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelapmeleca/
Follow Angela Meleca for practical tips and content on arts advocacy!
In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with Sam Krall https://utulsa.edu/people/sam-krall/ to explore how arts management programs are bridging the gap between creativity and commerce. Together, they discuss the role of interdisciplinary education, the infusion of humanity into traditionally transactional business models, and why creativity is essential for driving innovation across industries.
This episode uncovers the transformative power of the arts in shaping a more thoughtful, innovative, and connected world, from preparing students for real-world challenges to engaging disinclined audiences.
Key Topics Include:
1️⃣ How arts and creativity infuse innovation into business and STEM.
2️⃣ The ACE program’s focus is on interdisciplinary education and experiential learning.
3️⃣ Why putting humanity back into business is essential for the future of leadership.
4️⃣ Audience development strategies that focus on younger and disinclined audiences.
5️⃣ The importance of redefining success in arts management and leadership.
Enjoying the podcast? Don’t forget to:
Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Like this episode if it resonates with you.
Comment with your thoughts—we love hearing from you!
Follow Angela Meleca for practical tips and strategies on arts advocacy and leadership.