MOVE Artists announced seven new appointments to its Board of Advisors, marking a significant advancement toward the initiative's official launch this fall. The initiative, powered by the Drake Institute of Women's Policy, utilizes the creativity and influence of artists to enhance voter registration and turnout nationwide. Through collaborations with college campuses, creative hubs, and community organizations, MOVE Artists will create artistic works that serve as tools for civic engagement. This strategic move to assemble a diverse and experienced board underscores the importance of integrating arts into civic processes to foster greater democratic involvement.
Destiny Drake West, MAS, founder of MOVE Artists and CEO of the Drake Institute of Women's Policy, emphasized the role of art in community progress. The newly formed board comprises leaders with expertise in arts, culture, education, law, business, and community engagement, bringing the necessary artistic training, technical expertise, and strategic insight to connect with communities in culturally meaningful and civically impactful ways. MOVE Artists is a nonpartisan civic engagement initiative that aims to boost voter participation in every election across the United States by harnessing the power of artistic expression.
The board members include Sarah Wilber, former Vice President of Capital Campaigns and Strategic Planning at the Kennedy Center; Jordan Shelby West, Ph.D., Associate Vice Provost at George Washington University; Ian Alden Russell, Ph.D., a global arts executive and curator; Cameron Nelson, Executive Producer for TEDxSouthCentral and a classically trained pianist; Jheri Holbert, Ed.D., Founder and CEO of Kids4Equity; Christina Heliotis, LL.M., an attorney and abstract painter; and Dianne Giacoio, Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Internet Sales at Capezio. These appointments are effective immediately, with each member serving a two-year term.
The significance of these appointments lies in their potential to bridge the gap between artistic communities and civic participation, particularly in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas like Fairfax and Arlington counties, where cultural institutions and educational hubs are prevalent. By leveraging local and national networks, MOVE Artists can amplify voter engagement efforts through creative mediums, making democratic processes more accessible and engaging for diverse populations. This initiative matters because it addresses declining voter turnout by tapping into the universal language of art, which can transcend political divides and inspire action. The implications include increased community involvement in elections, stronger partnerships between arts organizations and civic groups, and a model for other regions to follow in integrating creativity into democracy-building efforts.
