MOVE Artists Appoints Diverse Board to Drive Voter Engagement Through Artistic Initiatives

MOVE Artists has appointed seven new members to its Board of Advisors, strengthening the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative as it prepares for its official launch this fall. The appointments bring together leaders from diverse fields including arts, culture, education, law, business, and community engagement, providing the artistic training, technical expertise, and strategic insight needed to connect with communities in culturally meaningful ways.

Powered by the Drake Institute of Women's Policy, MOVE Artists utilizes the creativity and influence of artists to enhance voter registration and turnout nationwide. The initiative collaborates with college campuses, creative hubs, and community organizations to create artistic works that serve as tools for civic engagement. Destiny Drake West, MAS, founder of MOVE Artists and CEO of the Drake Institute of Women's Policy, emphasized the critical role of art in driving community progress and democratic participation.

The newly appointed 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; and Ian Alden Russell, Ph.D., a global arts executive and curator. Also joining are Cameron Nelson, Executive Producer for TEDxSouthCentral and 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 strategic move to assemble such a diverse and experienced board underscores the growing recognition that integrating arts into civic processes can foster greater democratic involvement. By harnessing the power of artistic expression, MOVE Artists aims to boost voter participation in every election across the United States, addressing the critical need for increased civic engagement through innovative, culturally relevant approaches.