Creative Waco: Comprehensive Company and Competitor Profile

Overview

Creative Waco is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural and creative community in Waco and McLennan County, Texas. Its mission is to nurture, celebrate, and support creative talents while positioning Waco as a cultural hub. Established in 2015, the organization is committed to strategic planning and advocacy, funding and regranting, and offering high-impact initiatives to bolster the local arts ecosystem. Creative Waco collaborates with local entities, including the City and County, and leverages partnerships to foster the arts and creative industries within the region.

Leadership and Team

• Fiona Bond - Chief Executive Officer

Fiona Bond is the founding CEO of Creative Waco. With a background in directing arts and cultural initiatives in the UK, she holds a BA in Theology from Durham University and an MBA from Baylor University. As the President of Texans For The Arts and recognized as "Wacoan of the Year" in 2020, her educational and professional experiences underscore her commitment to arts advocacy and community development.

• Kennedy Sam - Director of Marketing & Communications

Kennedy Sam brings over five years of experience in managing nonprofit communications. An alumnus of Louisiana State University's Manship School of Mass Communications, she is instrumental in overseeing strategic communications and community relations at Creative Waco, focusing on storytelling and donor outreach.

• Stefanie Wheat-Johnson - Program Director, ARTPrenticeship

Leading the ARTPrenticeship program, Stefanie Wheat-Johnson emphasizes youth engagement through public murals. Her international expertise enriches her strategic involvement in creative education and community collaboration, aligning closely with Creative Waco’s mission to empower young creatives.

• Briann "Bri" Gonzalez - Operations Manager

Bri Gonzalez, with a background in psychology and nonprofit experience, manages the operational aspects of Creative Waco, contributing to enhanced organizational efficiency and operational support, critical for the organization's smooth functioning.

• Soledad Bautista - Director of Professional Development & Outreach

Soledad Bautista combines her artistic and educational proficiency to launch the AIR Institute in Waco, aimed at merging arts, business, and community. Her international experience brings a diverse perspective to her strategic responsibilities.

Financial and Impact Analysis

Creative Waco's recent financials illustrate substantial contributions and efficient program service management, with total revenues reported at $1.59 million and expenses amounting to $1.43 million. The organization's fiscal activities underscore its capacity to scale initiatives and foster creative growth through strategic financial planning and effective use of grants, such as those provided under the American Rescue Plan.

Programs and Initiatives

Creative Waco spearheads a variety of impactful programs, including:

• ARTPrenticeship: Focused on equipping young talent through public murals and creative projects.

• AIR Institute Workshops: Integrating artistic endeavors with economic development.

• Strategic Planning and Advocacy: Enhancing local arts infrastructure and influencing policy.

• Funding and Regranting Programs: Supporting artists and cultural projects financially.

• Creative Directory: A platform for artists and makers to connect within the creative community.

• Cultural District: Boasting museums, art galleries, public art, and performance venues for community engagement.

Additionally, the Arts Match Program offers financial incentives and matches for local artistic projects, and professional development resources are available for artists to expand their reach.

Online Presence

Creative Waco maintains a robust online presence to enhance its outreach and community engagement:

• Website: [Creative Waco](https://creativewaco.org/)

• Social Media:

• [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/creativewaco/)

• [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/creativewaco/?hl=en)

• [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-waco)

Competitors and Collaborators

Creative Waco operates in a competitive landscape alongside other arts organizations, including:

• Dr Pepper Museum

• Waco Symphony Orchestra

• Restoration Gateway

• KWBU (Public Radio)

• Artisphere Festival in South Carolina

These entities offer both potential collaborations and competitive dynamics in terms of community engagement and funding opportunities.

Creative Waco remains a pivotal force in the cultural development of Central Texas, contributing significantly to strategic arts advancement and community enrichment through its comprehensive outreach, strategic planning, and funding initiatives.