About the VCC
Valparaiso Creative Council brings people together to create, explore, and celebrate the arts.
Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists, creative professionals, and arts organizations in Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana. Through engaging events, public art, and the McMillan Valpo Creates Center, VCC fosters creativity, builds connections, and strengthens the local cultural scene for people of all ages and abilities.
VCC has grown into a key community resource for artists and residents alike. Over the past several years, VCC has launched signature artreach programs including Mural Walk, Art + Innovation, Valpo Creates Camp, and more.
See how you can get involved with VCC, whether you’re an artist, business, arts organization, or community member.
Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists, creative professionals, and arts organizations in Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana. Through engaging events, public art, and McMillan Valpo Creates Center, VCC fosters creativity, builds connections, and strengthens the local cultural scene for people of all ages and abilities.
VCC has grown into a key community resource for artists and residents alike. Over the past several years, VCC has launched signature artreach programs including Mural Walk, Art + Innovation, Valpo Creates Camp, and more.
See how you can get involved with VCC, whether you’re an artist, business, arts organization, or community member.
Our Purpose
Supporting creativity in NWI
MISSION: Valparaiso Creative Council enriches the community by promoting, developing, and advocating for and with local arts efforts, artists, and organizations by providing educational, programmatic, and marketing support.
VISION: Valparaiso Creative Council believes that when people come together to create, explore, and celebrate art, culture and innovation, communities thrive!
Our History
From the city’s vision to action
Valparaiso Creative Council was created to help bring to life Valparaiso’s Creative District Plan, which the City of Valparaiso developed in 2015 through ValpoNEXT community workshops. Inspired by local input and Valpo’s recognition in the America’s Best Community Competition, VCC opened the McMillan Valpo Creates Center in downtown Valpo in March 2025.
Our Purpose
Supporting creativity in NWI
MISSION: Valparaiso Creative Council enriches the community by promoting, developing, and advocating for and with local arts efforts, artists, and organizations by providing educational, programmatic, and marketing support.
VISION: Valparaiso Creative Council believes that when people come together to create, explore, and celebrate art, culture and innovation, communities thrive!
Our History
From the city’s vision to action
Valparaiso Creative Council was created to help bring to life Valparaiso’s Creative District Plan, which the City of Valparaiso developed in 2015 through ValpoNEXT community workshops. Inspired by local input and Valpo’s recognition in the America’s Best Community Competition, VCC opened the McMillan Valpo Creates Center in downtown Valpo in March 2025.
Community Impact
Meet the Valparaiso Creative Council
VCC is a group of local leaders chosen to grow and develop creative arts in and around the City of Valparaiso to help build a stronger, more connected community.
Executive Committee
Matthew Jenetopulos | Carol Michna | Kate Sanders | Susannah Larson
Board Members
Eric Beschinski | Kathy Beymer | Ruth Crnkovich | Salena Elish | Thomas Domsic | Kaye Frataccia | Libby Fandrei | Eileen Jenetopulos | Cindy Klapp | Abigail Ramirez | Lisa Rommelmann | Anupama Shrivastava | Amy Solmos | Matt Solmos | Drew Wenger*
* indicates not pictured
Executive Director
“As a grassroots nonprofit organization, we support and celebrate local artists of all disciplines, produce inclusive public art and events, and cultivate community through creativity. Your support helps us expand offerings and increase access to the arts while investing in the people and places that make Valparaiso vibrant!”
Jessica Corral, Executive Director
