MOVE Artists announced seven new appointments to its Board of Advisors, marking a significant advancement toward the initiative's official launch this fall. The nonpartisan civic engagement initiative, powered by the Drake Institute of Women's Policy, utilizes the creativity and influence of artists to enhance voter registration and turnout across the United States. This strategic move underscores the growing recognition of art as a powerful tool for civic mobilization, particularly in addressing voter apathy and engagement gaps.
The newly appointed board members bring diverse expertise spanning arts, culture, education, law, business, and community engagement, positioning MOVE Artists to effectively connect with communities through culturally resonant and civically impactful approaches. Destiny Drake West, MAS, founder of MOVE Artists and CEO of the Drake Institute of Women's Policy, emphasized the initiative's core philosophy: "Art moves people, and people move communities forward." The board's composition reflects a deliberate effort to integrate artistic training, technical expertise, and strategic insight to foster meaningful civic participation.
The inaugural board includes Sarah Wilber, former Vice President of Capital Campaigns and Strategic Planning at the Kennedy Center, who led its $250 million Endowment Campaign; Jordan Shelby West, Ph.D., Associate Vice Provost at George Washington University and a nationally recognized, award-winning scholar-activist; and Ian Alden Russell, Ph.D., a global arts executive and curator with over a decade of experience touring and recording with the award-winning vocal group Anúna. Other members are Cameron Nelson, Executive Producer for TEDxSouthCentral, seasoned business executive, and classically trained pianist; Jheri Holbert, Ed.D., Founder and CEO of Kids4Equity with a background in performing arts and media appearances; Christina Heliotis, LL.M., an attorney specializing in digital economy regulation and policy, who is also a part-time abstract painter; and Dianne Giacoio, Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Internet Sales at Capezio, supporting the global dancewear brand's growth across multiple continents.
These appointments, effective immediately for two-year terms, highlight the initiative's commitment to nonpartisan voter engagement through partnerships with college campuses, creative hubs, and community organizations. By producing artistic works that double as civic engagement tools, MOVE Artists aims to address critical issues like low voter turnout, particularly among underrepresented groups, leveraging art's universal appeal to foster democratic participation and community advancement.
