CLS: Angela Meleca

“Creativity as an Economic Engine”

Creativity serves as a catalyst for economic growth and development. It drives innovation, fosters entrepreneurship, supports industries, enhances problem-solving capabilities, shapes branding and marketing strategies, boosts tourism and fuels the knowledge economy. Emphasizing and nurturing creativity can unlock immense economic potential and provide a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving world.

Angela Meleca has been the executive director of CreativeOhio since the fall of 2019. She played a vital role in the organization’s rebranding from Ohio Citizens for the Arts and helped expand its mission, vision and values. Maleca’s most significant accomplishment was securing $110 million in state funding over three years, with an additional $50.7 million pending in the state biennium budget. This is a significant milestone, representing the most considerable public funding ever awarded to Ohio’s non-profit arts and creative organizations.

Before joining CreativeOhio, Maleca owned and established the Angela Meleca Gallery in downtown Columbus. She played a crucial role in connecting individual artists, arts organizations and advocates, contributing to the growth of arts and culture in Central Ohio. With over 30 years of professional experience, Maleca has a diverse background in the arts and as a former political reporter. She has worked as a press secretary for the Ohio Senate Majority Caucus and the Ohio Senate President, and her areas of expertise include media relations, marketing, and public relations.

Maleca, a Columbus native, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science specializing in Journalism from The Ohio State University. As a committee co-chair for the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, she is actively involved in shaping the future of her community. Her expertise has been recognized by multiple universities, including The Ohio State University, Kent State University, Miami University, Oberlin College and Columbus College of Art & Design, where she has served as a guest lecturer. Maleca graduated from Leadership Ohio in 2020 and served on the boards of directors for Dublin Arts Council and St. Joseph Montessori.