Alexandra Urbanowski

CEO, SVCreates

 

Arts Columnist

Columns contributed first Wednesday of every month

Alexandra Urbanowski, is CEO of SVCreates, an arts service organization and local arts agency which works to build the cultural sector’s capacity, raise the voices and visibility of local artists, and increase access to arts for high-need communities in Santa Clara County.

She has provided leadership, advocacy and strategic management for a range non-profit organizations and community development projects on both the east and west coasts including American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley, New Hampshire Public Radio, and San Jose Repertory Theatre.

Prior to becoming CEO in January 2024 she served as SVCreates’ Associate Director for six years where she directed all grant programs, designed capacity building and training curriculum, and led SVCreates’ regional expansion and other special initiatives. She currently serves on the Leadership Committee for the California Coalition of County Arts Agencies and is on the board of the statewide arts advocacy organization California for the Arts/California Arts Advocates.

Alexandra is an alumna of Smith College and Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program, and is also an independent theater producer.

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Urbanowski: What California’s final budget means for arts and culture in San Jose

On Sept. 18, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 113, the 2026 Budget Bill Jr., which includes significant new investments in California’s arts, culture and creative sector. This final 2026-27 state budget includes more than $80 million in new cross-agency investment in the arts — the largest single-year expansion of state arts funding since 2021....

Urbanowski: Reclaiming creativity

There is a story we often tell ourselves in the arts nonprofit world, a series of assumptions and false truths that we live by: There is not enough money to go around. We’re lucky just to be in the room. National nonprofit guru Vu Le (keynote speaker at the SVCREATES 2026 Town Hall) often talks...

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