SPACES  |  March 30, 2026

Northeast Ohio Arts Leaders Selected for CreativeOhio’s 2026 Advocacy Leadership Institute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 30, 2026

Pita Brooks, Executive Director

216.621.2314 ext. 202

pita@spacescle.org

Northeast Ohio Arts Leaders Selected for CreativeOhio’s 2026 Advocacy Leadership Institute

(Cleveland, OH) – CreativeOhio has announced the selection of five arts leaders from Cleveland for the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI), a first-of-its-kind initiative which has become a nationally recognized model for statewide arts advocacy. With the 2026 Institute launching in May, the six-month immersive program includes hands-on workshops, site visits to cultural hubs, and in-depth policy discussions with lawmakers and advocacy experts. Participants will gain practical tools to influence public policy, secure funding, and strengthen the statewide network of arts advocates. These leaders are among a cohort of 25, representing 13 cities throughout the state.

The selected Cleveland cohort members are:

• Pita Brooks, Executive Director, SPACES–Cleveland, Ohio

• Shannon Morris, Executive Director, ARTFUL OHIO, Inc.–Cleveland, Ohio

• Sheffia Randall-Nickerson, Chief Engagement & Collaboration Officer, University Circle Inc.–Cleveland, Ohio

• Veronica Thornton, Consultant/Writer, Vee’s Consulting/The Creative Healing–Cleveland, Ohio

• Matt Weinkam, Executive Director, Literary Cleveland–Cleveland, Ohio

“These Cleveland-area 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.”

Throughout the program, ALI members will collaborate with policymakers, industry experts, and fellow arts and culture 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 museums and independent artists.

“This opportunity will help us amplify the value of creative practices and strengthen advocacy for greater support of Cleveland’s arts and culture community,” said Sheffia Randall-Nickerson, Chief Engagement & Collaboration Officer at University Circle Inc.

The CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute is made possible with support from The George Gund Foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, Edwards Companies, Envisage Wealth, and Charles F. Kettering Foundation.

For more information about the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute and to see the full cohort, visit creativeoh.org/advocacy-leadership-institute-2026-cohort/.

About CreativeOhio

Celebrating 50 years of statewide leadership, CreativeOhio is the collective voice for Ohio’s creative sector. Driven by more than130 member organizations, CreativeOhio strengthens communities across Ohio through arts, culture, and creativity. creativeoh.org

About SPACES

SPACES is the resource and public forum for artists who explore and experiment. Since 1978, SPACES has provided international, national, and local artists the freedom to create ambitious, artist-driven work that helps audiences see the world in unexpected ways. Through residencies, exhibitions, and public programs, SPACES encourages artists and audiences to use art as a tool for exploring timely social, cultural, and civic concerns.

Original Article