YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Becky Keck, president and founder of Students Motivated by the Arts, has been selected as a member of the 2025 cohort of the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute, a new initiative designed to empower arts leaders across the state with advocacy skills, legislative insights and statewide connections.
She is one of 25 leaders chosen through a competitive application process, representing 15 cities across Ohio.
Smarts is a free after-school arts school for Valley students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, located in the Ohio One Building, downtown.
“This opportunity will allow me to expand my advocacy skills, connect with leaders across the state and ensure that the Mahoning Valley and Smarts plays a key role in advancing Ohio’s creative sector,” Keck said.
CreativeOhio is a statewide advocacy group for the arts industry.
The leadership institute, which will be launched in May, is a six-month program that provides arts and culture professionals with the tools and knowledge to advocate effectively for Ohio’s creative sector. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, visits to cultural hubs and in-depth discussions on legislative processes, public funding and advocacy strategies.
“The CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute is more than just a training program,” said Sarah Sisser, executive director and CEO of CreativeOhio. “It’s a movement to increase civic literacy and democratic engagement across our sector. This inaugural cohort represents an esteemed and passionate group of leaders dedicated to strengthening Ohio’s creative economy and ensuring the arts have a seat at the table in policy discussions.”
Throughout the program, Advocacy Leadership Institute members will collaborate with policymakers, industry experts and fellow arts leaders to develop strategies that support the sustainability and growth of Ohio’s creative industries. The cohort includes professionals from a range of disciplines, from performing arts organizations to visual arts institutions and independent artists.
For more information about the leadership institute and to see the full cohort, click HERE.