Lead with Influence.
Advocate with Impact.
Turn Passion for the Arts into Powerful Advocacy
The CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI) equips leaders across Ohio’s arts, culture, and creative industries with the tools, relationships, and confidence to advocate effectively for the creative sector—at the local and state level.
Now entering its second year, ALI builds a growing statewide network of advocacy champions who understand how decisions are made, how public funding works, and how to sustain civic engagement over time.
Advocacy isn’t a single moment. It’s a long game.
“This institute is about building sustained leadership across Ohio so the creative sector has a strong, informed presence wherever decisions are being made,” said Sarah Sisser, Executive Director and CEO of CreativeOhio.
Members of the 2025 cohort of the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute
What is the Advocacy Leadership Institute?
The Advocacy Leadership Institute is a first-of-its-kind program in Ohio designed to strengthen advocacy capacity across the creative sector. Participants meet monthly from May–October at cultural hubs across the state for a cohort-based experience that blends expert instruction, peer learning, and on-site exploration.
The curriculum includes:
- Legislative processes and how policy decisions happen
- Public funding mechanisms and what influences them
- Relationship-building with elected officials and community leaders
- Strategies for building a culture of advocacy within organizations
- Hands-on workshops and site visits to arts and cultural venues
The program is endorsed by Arts Midwest and crafted in collaboration with leading national arts advocacy experts.
Who Should Apply?
ALI is designed for established leaders who are ready to deepen their advocacy skills and step into a statewide network of champions, including:
- Arts administrators and cultural leaders
- Nonprofit executives
- Advancement, development, and communications professionals
- Government, media, and business leaders with a strong commitment to the creative sector
If you’re motivated to strengthen Ohio through arts, culture, and creativity—and want practical tools to advocate with confidence—ALI is for you.
What You’ll Gain
Participants graduate with the knowledge and momentum to advocate consistently and effectively—within their organizations and across their communities.
Knowledge
Understand legislative processes, public funding, and the creative sector’s economic role.
Know-How
Use practical tools to champion your organization, your community, and the statewide creative sector.
Networking
Build relationships with policymakers and a peer cohort of creative leaders from across Ohio.
Certification
Participants who complete the program earn certification as Certified Creative Sector Advocates.
Proven Impact
In its inaugural year, the Advocacy Leadership Institute demonstrated strong statewide reach and meaningful engagement:
- 6 regional sessions over 6 months
- 20+ speakers and presenters
- 15 arts and cultural venues visited
- 10+ elected officials and policymakers engaged
- 1,200+ miles traveled across the state
Participants consistently cite the program’s long-term value:
“There is incredible knowledge and power in this group. I will be tapping into this for a long time.”
“Advocacy skill-building and networking are two of the most important things you can do for your organization, and this program provides both.”
Tuition
Tuition: $1,500
Scholarships: Available to ensure accessibility
Important Dates (Applications closed)
Application deadline: February 13, 2026
Program sessions: Monthly, May–October
Thanks to Our Supporters
The Advocacy Leadership Institute is made possible through the generous support of:
Greater Cincinnati Foundation • Greater Columbus Arts Council • The George Gund Foundation, The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation • The Charles F. Kettering Foundation • Edwards Companies • Envisage Wealth
