Est. 2026 · non-profit
Association
A member network of founders, directors, and producers across the creative industries.
Creative
Artists and designers — and the scientists, engineers, educators, and entrepreneurs whose work runs on the same creativity.
Economy
Jobs, exports, and communities built on creative work — measured, published, and defended.
Leaders
The people who carry creative organizations, trained and represented so the sector can grow.
Mission
The creative economy is bigger than the arts: it belongs to everyone whose work runs on creativity — and it runs on people who lead, often without training, funding, or a seat at the table. ACEL connects, trains, and advocates for those leaders, so the sector they carry can grow.
What we do
Leadership programs
Cohort-based training for the people who run creative organizations: expertise, positioning, and advocacy — the three stages that turn a specialist into an industry leader.
Advocacy & visibility
We put evidence about the creative sector in front of policymakers and institutions, and help our members join the conversations — in Washington and beyond — that shape their industries.
Community
Meetups, open studios, and an annual summit. Everyone needs a village: a place to belong, compare notes, and start things together beyond business networking.
Voices of the industry
“Creativity is the foundation of every field that advances society.”
Dr. Judy Staveley
Founder, The Platform Magazine
“Everyone needs a village — a place to belong, find support, and build genuine relationships.”
Dr. Anastasia Silver
Founder, Modern Women Bali
“Expertise opens doors. Positioning creates opportunities. Advocacy creates influence.”
Kateryna Odarchenko
Political strategist, SIC Group USA
Upcoming events
Full calendarNothing scheduled yet — check back soon or see past events in the calendar.
From the blog
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