ARTS Redefined

Feeling frustrated trying to prove the value of your arts programs? Join me as I speak with Sheri Chaney Jones, founder of SureImpact, about why data measurement is the future of arts funding. In this video, we explore: 1. How to measure empathy, creativity, and kindness. 2. Why are current advocacy methods focusing on economic impact failing? 3. A step-by-step guide to using the "Five Whys" exerc...

Discover how Matthew Gellin, Artistic Director of American Legacy Theatre, uses theater as a tool for workforce development and community transformation. Learn actionable strategies for connecting your arts programs with funders, measuring impact effectively, and building innovative cross-sector partnerships. Tune in for insights that redefine the arts' role in solving real-world challenges. What...

In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Rachel Skaggs challenges the stigma of failure in the arts, revealing how embracing missteps can lead to meaningful innovation and growth. Discover why failure is an overlooked aspect of the creative process, how funders and organizations can learn from it, and why shifting our narrative around failure is essential for arts advocacy and impact measurement. Join u...

In this abbreviated recap of Episode 24, Lucas Miller,  the Singing Zoologist , shares practical advice for artists and creatives looking to transform their passion into a sustainable business. From embracing authenticity to finding your niche and connecting with audiences, Lucas offers actionable insights to help you thrive in the creative economy. This advice is perfect for artists, entrepreneur...

What does it take to turn your passion into a thriving career? Lucas Miller, the Singing Zoologist, shares how he combined music, science, and storytelling to build a sustainable business that educates and inspires. Tune in for practical tips on finding your niche, embracing authenticity, and treating your Art like a business. Can Prairie Dogs Talk? A Song You'll Never Forget! 🐾🎵 | ARTS Redefine...

What makes the human voice irreplaceable in storytelling? In this episode, Tavia Gilbert, an award-winning audiobook narrator and producer, explores the evolving audiobook industry, the power of authentic human creativity, and the impact of AI on the arts. Discover why storytelling through voice matters, how creativity shapes industries, and why human connection can never be automated.   Chapters...

On this special Veterans Day episode, host Angela Meleca talks with Heather Seymour, founder of the Veterans Arts Initiative at the Central Ohio VA, and Daniel King, a veteran and artist, about how creative arts transform veterans' mental health. Heather shares how the Initiative uses art to help veterans connect, overcome isolation, and heal from trauma. At the same time, Daniel reflects on how a...

Join Dr. Mark Lomax II and Angela Meleca as they explore the evolving world of arts funding post-pandemic. Dr. Lomax offers unique insights on how arts organizations can build deeper relationships with funders, craft data-driven impact narratives, and leverage storytelling to secure sustainable support. Discover why innovation, digital engagement, and community well-being metrics are vital for the...

How can we redefine art accessibility to support artists truly? In this episode, Angela Meleca talks with chef and writer Celina Nader about the importance of holistic support for artists, the unseen challenges they face, and the role of community in fostering creativity. This conversation dives into redefining how we value art by supporting the people behind it. Celina Nader - The Insatiable Chef...

In this episode, Angela sits down with Jason Blair, an innovative arts educator, to tackle a surprising question: Why do so many administrators still struggle to connect creativity with the arts? Together, they explore how arts education is crucial for developing the creative problem-solvers we need and the frustrating reality of advocating for the arts in a world that often overlooks their value....

In this abbreviated episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela speaks with pricing expert Dave Wakeman about why discounts are for dummies and how his "3 P's of Pricing" can help arts organizations build long-term success. Dave shares insights on using Process, Price, and Promotion to drive demand and grow audiences without sacrificing profitability. If your organization struggles with pricing strategies,...

In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela speaks with creative entrepreneur Catherine Lang-Cline about the vital connection between creativity, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Catherine shares her journey advocating for artists, highlighting the challenges of negotiating their worth and the role creativity plays in driving innovation. They also explore the importance of solid board representation...

In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela talks with marketing expert Dave Wakeman about the evolving landscape of arts marketing. They explore why arts organizations need to rethink traditional marketing strategies, emphasize long-term brand building, and engage both customers and non-customers effectively. Dave also shares insights on the dangers of discounting, the importance of strategic plann...

In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela sits down with photographer and author Julie Rae Powers to discuss her book Deep Ruts and the deeply personal journey of self-discovery that shaped it. As an artist from Appalachia, Julie shares how her work explores themes of identity, belonging, and vulnerability. Tune in to hear how art became a tool for Julie's healing and how she believes it can conne...

In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca speaks with Professor Jim O'Connell, a seasoned arts management expert, about the transformative power of the arts and the challenges of audience development in a changing landscape. They discuss the unique role of empathy in defining the arts, the ephemeral nature of live performance, and the importance of long-term engagement strategies. Tune in t...

In this episode of ARTS Redefined, I sit down with Amanda Page—author, filmmaker, and founder of Scioto Literary—to explore how living authentically fuels mental health and creativity. We dive into the power of art to revitalize communities, especially in rural Appalachia, and discuss how family support, humanities interventions, and shifting the arts narrative from economic impact to social value...

In this episode, Todd Stuart, Program Director of Arts Management, Arts Entrepreneurship at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, explores the evolving landscape of arts management education and the growing need for collaboration between artistic disciplines and business practices. He discusses the skills gap in traditional arts education, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship and creative pr...

In this episode, I speak with Susie DeVille, author of ⁠ Buoyant ⁠ , about the power of creativity in overcoming challenges and fostering innovation. We explore how creativity is accessible to everyone, its transformative role in personal and professional growth, and the importance of engaging boards and stakeholders in the arts through storytelling and data. Susie redefines art as a process and a...

In this episode, Angela and Christy Farnbaugh explore the shifting landscape of arts funding and the critical need for organizations to showcase their public value. They discuss how empathy and creativity can serve as essential metrics for impact and emphasize the power of storytelling in arts advocacy. Addressing barriers to participation and evolving traditional narratives, they highlight the ar...

In this episode, Angela talks with Benjamin Adda about the differences in how art is experienced in France compared to the U.S. Ben shares insights on making art more accessible, integrating it into daily life, and shifting away from the notion that art is just for the elite. Gain a fresh perspective on fostering audience engagement and redefining public value in the arts. Chapters 00:00 Art as a...

In this episode, we explore how technology can revolutionize arts administration and management with Brett Crawford, co-author of "Raising the Curtain." We delve into the challenges arts organizations face in leveraging technology, from internal communications to audience engagement, and discuss how the right tools and strategies can streamline operations, boost relevancy, and enhance funding oppo...

I sit down with Yogi Terrell from the Columbus Fashion Alliance to explore the powerful connection between culture, economic development, and the arts. We discuss how investing in authentic culture can drive sustainable growth, create opportunities for underserved communities, and build ecosystems that fuel creativity and innovation. Together, we reframe the narrative around the economic impact of...

In this episode, Elise Kiefer discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of managing rural arts organizations. She emphasizes the importance of adopting strategies tailored to rural communities, focusing on mission-driven fundraising and community engagement. Elise also explores how redefining the arts in rural areas and measuring impact beyond traditional metrics can help sustain these org...

Explore how visual literacy is transforming corporate safety and performance in this episode with Doug Pontsler, Chairman of the Center for Visual Expertise (COVE). Doug shares his journey from industry executive to arts advocate, revealing how COVE's museum-based workshops use art education to enhance workplace safety protocols. Learn how these innovative workshops have achieved a 35-40% improvem...

How can data-driven measurement transform the arts sector? In this episode, Angela Meleca talks with Sheri Chaney Jones, founder of Sure Impact, about the challenges and importance of quantifying the social value of the arts. Discover how innovative tools can help nonprofits tell a new story—one that redefines the arts as essential drivers of social change.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Backgr...