Libsyn Directory

Is Fundraising an Art? Matt Hugg on Creative Strategies for Arts Nonprofits

Release Date: 03/28/2025

Future-Proofing the Arts: Skills, Strategy, and Impact

ARTS Redefined with Angela Meleca

What does it take to future-proof the arts? In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela P. Meleca is joined by arts entrepreneur and professor Jeffrey Nytch to address the pressing need for new skills, models, and approaches to make a lasting impact. Angela and Jeffrey explore why arts organizations must move beyond adapting — and start leading — by getting proximate to the communities they serve, building strategic partnerships, and embracing bold programming. They discuss: Why transferable skills from the arts are critical to the innovation economy How creativity strengthens STEM...

The Power of Perseverance and Community in the Arts

ARTS Redefined with Angela Meleca

In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela P. Meleca sits down with Wilma K. Mullet, Executive Director of the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership, for a powerful conversation about resilience, resourcefulness, and redefining what the arts mean to a community. Wilma shares the challenges and triumphs of leading a rural arts organization in Tuscarawas County, Ohio—from navigating funding limitations to building coalitions across sectors. They explore the vital role of public officials in supporting the arts, the importance of building trust, and how community can be a lifeline for artists and...

Unleashing Creativity with Crayola: Victoria Lozano on Why It’s a Life Skill, Not an Extra

ARTS Redefined with Angela Meleca

What if creativity isn’t just something kids do—but something we all need to thrive? In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca is joined by Victoria Lozano, EVP of Marketing at Crayola. Together, they discuss why creativity is one of the most critical life skills we can nurture—not just in children, but across every profession. From reimagining Crayola’s brand to launching the global Crayola Creativity Week, Victoria shares how the company is helping to redefine how we think about the arts in education and beyond. Takeaways include: Creativity is a behavior, not just a talent ...

There is no failure—only giving up. | Neno Littlewood

ARTS Redefined with Angela Meleca

In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with writer, creative mentor, and Rebel Writers Workshop founder Neno Littlewood for a refreshingly honest conversation about how we create, evolve, and keep going—even when life gets messy. From navigating ADHD and dyslexia to building a creative business and reshaping her personal identity, Neno shares how embracing her story—and the imperfect drafts along the way—became her greatest source of power. This is for every arts leader, creator, and nonprofit professional who’s ever felt stuck or sidelined by perfectionism,...

Is Fundraising an Art? Matt Hugg on Creative Strategies for Arts Nonprofits

ARTS Redefined with Angela Meleca

Is it possible that arts fundraising is its own art form? In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca is joined by Matt Hugg—founder of Nonprofit.Courses and expert in nonprofit fundraising. Together, they challenge conventional approaches to development and explore how creativity isn’t just for the stage or the canvas—it’s the secret weapon in donor relationships, storytelling, and fundraising. If you're an arts leader tired of transactional fundraising and ready to connect more authentically with your supporters, this conversation is a must-listen. You’ll learn: Why...

Turn Advocacy into Activism and Activism into Running for Office with Tom Tresser

ARTS Redefined with Angela Meleca

Are the arts once again under attack? In this powerful episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with Tom Tresser, a renowned civic educator, grassroots advocate, and tireless champion of democracy and creative freedom. Tom reveals why the arts and nonprofit sectors must urgently evolve from advocacy to activism—and why, ultimately, creative professionals must step up and run for office. Drawing from over 50 years of frontline experience, including the battle to save the NEA during the 1990s Culture Wars, Tom lays out practical, actionable strategies for artists, arts leaders, and...

Why Arts Funding Is Disappearing – And What We Can Do About It

ARTS Redefined with Angela Meleca

What happens when the system designed to support the arts starts narrowing the door of opportunity? Josh Benson, Executive Director of the Marion Cultural and Civic Center, mural artist, and co-host of There’s No Business Like podcast, joins me to talk about the funding challenges facing arts organizations today. From shifting National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) directives to the financial struggles of the Kennedy Center, the landscape for arts funding is changing fast—often leaving rural and mid-sized organizations behind. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why traditional funding...

From Theatre to Corporate Success: How Arts Graduates Have the Ultimate Job Advantage

ARTS Redefined with Angela Meleca

We have raised a generation afraid to talk to people—hesitant to make a phone call, nervous about face-to-face interactions, and struggling with basic workplace communication. But here’s the thing: theatre and the performing arts have always been the ultimate training ground for real human connection. In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with Audrey Durbin, who made the surprising transition from theatre to corporate banking. They break down how the performing arts provide transferable skills that prepare graduates to hit the ground running in any industry. In This...

AI for Arts Leaders: Save Time, Boost Creativity & Stay Relevant

ARTS Redefined with Angela Meleca

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...

How AI Gives You 10 Hours Back—And Makes You More Creative - Matt Fornito

ARTS Redefined with Angela Meleca

AI isn’t here to replace creativity—it’s here 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 , 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...

More Episodes

Is it possible that arts fundraising is its own art form?

In this episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca is joined by Matt Hugg—founder of Nonprofit.Courses and expert in nonprofit fundraising. Together, they challenge conventional approaches to development and explore how creativity isn’t just for the stage or the canvas—it’s the secret weapon in donor relationships, storytelling, and fundraising.

If you're an arts leader tired of transactional fundraising and ready to connect more authentically with your supporters, this conversation is a must-listen.

You’ll learn:

Why creativity is your fundraising superpower
How to reframe “non-arts” work as creative work
Common disconnects in data, relationships, and storytelling
A mindset shift that can transform your development strategy

Relevance isn’t reserved for your programming—it belongs in your fundraising too.

https://www.nonprofit.courses/author/matthugg/

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