The Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) is excited to announce the promotion of Jessica Corral to full-time Executive Director, effective January 2, 2025. The expansion of this leadership role marks the Council's commitment to enhancing the creative community and supportive offerings in Valparaiso and surrounding areas.
“Jessica is a talented and inspiring leader. With her at the helm, the Valparaiso Creative Council will flourish and its impact will be felt throughout our city for years to come. The creative arts bring us together as a community and bring out the best in us. I am very excited to see how Jessica’s leadership will make Valpo a vibrant hub for the creative arts.” - Mayor Jon Costas
Since joining the Council in 2021 as part-time Executive Director, Corral has played a pivotal role in driving numerous successful initiatives aimed at supporting and promoting local artists and fostering a vibrant cultural environment. Under her leadership, the organization has seen significant growth in community engagement, new and highly-attended events, educational programming, and partnerships with local businesses and arts organizations.
“We’re thrilled to have Jessica Corral transition to our full-time executive director at the Valparaiso Creative Council. Her vision and dedication mark a transformative moment for our organization and the arts community in Valparaiso. With Jessica leading the way, we can deepen our connections, expand our reach, and ensure that creativity continues to thrive and inspire throughout our community. This new chapter promises exciting opportunities for our artists and greater engagement across our city.” -Stephanie Swearington, VCC President
Corral brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, 14 years of research and educational experience as an art teacher, over 10 years in grant writing and fundraising experience and has recently served as Director of Education for a multicounty art-based nonprofit. These endeavors have allowed her to craft lasting community relationships and garnish skills in fundraising and grant writing. The VCC has attributed its most rewarding years in grant funding and generated revenue to Corral's efforts since taking her initial part time role.
“I am filled with joy in knowing that all the pieces in my professional life leading up to this point have served a valuable purpose in revealing this personal calling with Valparaiso Creative Council. VCC will excitedly permeate the arts sector with our unique mark that is sure to draw in our creatively hungry community! I’m honored to be a part of this dedicated team whose mission extends beyond what is currently being offered for Valpo.” - Jessica Corral, VCC Executive Director
As recently announced, the VCC has moved forward with plans to renovate its newly leased space at 256 Indiana Ave to house a "Valpo Creates Center." Fundraising for Phase I of this project is actively underway with a matching donation Patronicity Campaign running through November 22, 2024 (link listed below). Aimed to establish this creative hub and widen the breadth of offerings and regional engagement, Corral's impactful and passionate leadership will be maximized through this expanded role to bring these visions to life. As full-time Executive Director, she will aim to expand programs, increase funding opportunities, and collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure Valparaiso can grow as a supportive and accessible stage for artistic expression.
https://www.patronicity.com/project/valpo_creates_center_phase_i#!/
About Valparaiso Creative Council: We believe that when people come together to create, explore, and celebrate art, communities thrive. We serve as a bridge between artists, businesses, the city, and communities to provide creative opportunities that would not otherwise exist. We believe that everyone should experience creativity freely, removing barriers and unifying all perspectives through intentional programming, events, and educational artreach.
Photo credit: Ash Wittmer / @ashwittmer