[NEohioPAL] 5 Northeast Ohio Arts Leaders Join CreativeOhio’s Inaugural Advocacy Leadership Institute!!

[Ensemble Theatre]

*PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*April 14, 2025*

Northeast Ohio Arts Leaders Join

CreativeOhio’s Inaugural Advocacy Leadership Institute

CLEVELAND, OH – CreativeOhio has announced the selection of five arts
leaders from northeast Ohio—including Cleveland, Lakewood, and Akron—for
the inaugural CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI). This
innovative program, *launching in May 2025*, will equip participants with
advocacy skills, legislative insights, and statewide connections to
champion Ohio’s creative sector. These leaders are among a cohort of 25,
representing 15 cities throughout the state.

The selected northeast Ohio cohort members are:

Celeste Cosentino, Executive Artistic Director. Ensemble Theatre (Cleveland)

Maya Curtis, Grants Manager, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (Cleveland)

Michael Gill, Executive Director/Editor/Publisher, CAN Journal (Lakewood)

Olivia Villaseñor, Program Manager, Tri-C Film Academy (Cleveland)

Mac Love, Co-Founder & Chief Catalyst, ART x LOVE (Akron)

“These northeast Ohio leaders exemplify the strength and diversity of the
creative community in Northeast Ohio,” said Sarah Sisser, Executive
Director & CEO of CreativeOhio. “Their participation in this program will
further empower them to advocate for the arts, ensuring that creativity
continues to be a driver of economic growth and cultural vibrancy in our
state.”

The CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute, which runs from May to
October 2025, provides participants with hands-on workshops, site visits to
cultural hubs, and in-depth discussions on legislative processes, public
funding, and advocacy strategies. The program is designed to cultivate a
new generation of advocacy champions dedicated to strengthening Ohio’s
creative economy.


“We have a wonderful opportunity as arts workers in Northeast Ohio and
across the state to strengthen our advocacy efforts. I’m thrilled to take
advantage of the moment, and emerge a stronger sector,” *said Maya Curtis.*

“The creative sector is such a fundamental part of our Cleveland culture, I
am both excited and honored to be part of this unique opportunity to talk
about statewide collaboration, advocacy and collective action” *said
Celeste Cosentino *

“The arts are a vital catalyst for our individual and collective
wellbeing,” *says
Mac Love*, Co-Founder & Chief Catalyst of ART x LOVE. “I am looking forward
to touring the region and working with arts leaders to further
differentiate and support Ohio’s creative community. Together, we can make
the arts more accessible, rewarding, and positively impactful for all.”

The CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute is made possible with
support from The George Gund Foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation,
Greater Columbus Arts Council, and Edwards Companies.

For more information about the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute
and to see the full cohort, click here!
<https://creativeoh.org/creativeohio-welcomes-25-leaders-to-inaugural-advocacy-institute/>

About CreativeOhio

CreativeOhio is the statewide voice for Ohio’s creative sector. With over
130 member organizations, we provide leadership, advocacy, and support to
strengthen and enhance Ohio through arts, culture, and creativity.

###

*Media Contact for Northeast Ohio Cohort:*

*Celeste Cosentino*, Executive Artistic Director, Ensemble Theatre of
Cleveland (Cleveland) *celeste at ensemble-theatre.org
<celeste at ensemble-theatre.org>*

*Maya Curtis*, Grants Manager, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (Cleveland)
*Maya.Alexandria.C at gmail.com
<Maya.Alexandria.C at gmail.com>*

*Michael Gill*, Executive Director/Editor/Publisher, CAN Journal
(Lakewood) *michael at canjournal.org
<michael at canjournal.org>*

*Olivia Villaseñor*, Program Manager, Tri-C Film Academy (Cleveland)
*Olivia.Villasenor at tri-c.edu
<Olivia.Villasenor at tri-c.edu>*

*Mac Love*, Co-Founder & Chief Catalyst, ART x LOVE (Akron) *mac at artxlove.com
<mac at artxlove.com>*



*Media Contact for CreativeOhio*

*Sarah Sisser *Executive Director & CEO, CreativeOhio *sarah at creativeoh.org
<sarah at creativeoh.org>*
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