ARTS Redefined

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 Don’t miss this candid conversation on moving beyond outdated tactics and securing sustainable support for the arts.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 - [email protected] 

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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:

• Why AI won’t replace human creativity—but will change how we create
• How to use AI to free up 10+ hours per week
• The most prominent AI myths creatives need to stop believing
• How AI can help the arts sector with funding, marketing, and audience growth
• The AI tools arts organizations should embrace NOW

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/

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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.

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