ABOUT THE VALPARAISO CREATIVE COUNCIL

Background

Following numerous facilitator-led workshops and panels to envision the future of Valparaiso, the city adopted the ValpoNEXT Citywide Vision Plan which includes a broad range of strategies generated by hundreds of participating community members.

Among the included action steps to pursue over the coming decade is the creation of a Creative District Plan, the result of conversations with ValpoNEXT and inspired by Valparaiso’s quarter-finalist round finish in the America’s Best Community Competition.

The creative district was envisioned as a place where the community could come together to create, explore, and celebrate arts, culture, and innovation. The plan outlines a vision for the creative district with 34 supporting actions, organized into three specific themes: create, explore, and celebrate. It is the work of the Valparaiso Creative Council to execute the Creative District Plan.

Mission and Vision of the Valparaiso Creative Council

MISSION: The 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: The Valparaiso Creative Council believes that when people come together to create, explore, and celebrate art, culture and innovation, communities thrive.

Who is the Creative Council?

The Valparaiso Creative Council is a group of local leaders chosen to advance the growth and development of the creative arts community in and around the City of Valparaiso.

Executive Committee

Stephanie Swearington
Stephanie SwearingtonBoard President
Porter Starke Services
sswearington@gmail.com
Dustin Ritchea
Dustin RitcheaBoard President Emeritus
Indiana Dunes Tourism
dustin@indianadunes.com
Megan Marolf
Megan MarolfVice President
Amy Davis Navardauskas
Amy Davis NavardauskasSecretary
Art Barn School of Art
adavis@artbarnschool.org
John Norris
John NorrisTreasurer
La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office
NorrisLawValpo@gmail.com

Board Members

Larry Brechner
Larry BrechnerArt on the Air
Jessica Corral
Jessica CorralValparaiso Community Schools
Linda Eyermann
Linda EyermannFormerly South Shore Arts
Kaye Frataccia
Kaye FratacciaEmpower Porter County
Peter Krivas
Peter KrivasPorter Starke Services
Dave Lee
Dave LeeHot Shop Valpo
Bridget Nadolski
Bridget NadolskiArt Z & Co.
Annemarie Rini
Annemarie RiniLocal Artist