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/

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:
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Comment with your thoughts—we love hearing from you!

Follow Angela Meleca for practical tips and strategies on arts advocacy and leadership.

Feeling stuck in outdated marketing strategies? Join me as I outline seven essential steps, according to marketing expert Lynette Shy, to redefine your arts organization's marketing approach. From embracing digital to breaking down silos, these practical tips will help you engage audiences and grow revenue. Whether you're leading a small nonprofit or a large arts institution, these strategies will inspire and empower you to take action.

Listen now and start your arts marketing transformation!

Lynette Shy https://confluence-arts.com/

Want to connect? Schedule some time to talk: https://calendly.com/melecacreative/aa-s-conversation-about-the-arts

Discover actionable tips to revolutionize your marketing and communication strategies for arts organizations. Angela Meleca and Lynette Shy dive into the importance of digital engagement, prioritizing tasks, and crafting content that truly resonates with audiences. Learn how to transform chaos into clarity and build sustainable growth for your organization.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Nonprofit Marketing Challenges
05:59 The Importance of Strategic Planning
11:54 The Bigger Conversations in Arts Funding
18:07 Evaluating Traditional vs. Digital Advertising
23:12 The Importance of Experience in Arts Engagement
29:40 Creating Engaging Educational Content
35:50 Measuring Impact and Revenue Growth

Lynette Shy 

https://confluence-arts.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynette-shy/

To schedule a call with Angela: 

https://calendly.com/melecacreative/aa-s-conversation-about-the-arts

In this episode, Angela Meleca and Tim Sidel uncover the unique struggles of for-profit creatives in a nonprofit-dominated arts ecosystem. From rethinking how we support creative businesses to advocating for better arts education, this conversation offers actionable insights to strengthen the arts sector.

To Schedule a call with Angela on how you can measure the impact of your arts:

https://calendly.com/melecacreative/aa-s-conversation-about-the-arts

Angela Meleca 

www.melecacreativeadvisors.com