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What’s next for Springboard and the Creative Change Coalition

Press, Stories

Our outgoing Executive Director Laura Zabel shares exciting news for Springboard, the Coalition, and a new partnership with the Knight Foundation!

June 4, 2026
By Springboard for the Arts

Congratulations to Laura, Jun-Li, and Sara! Comic Illustrated by Minnesota-based artist Sophie Wang.

First, I want to share my gratitude for the outpouring of support following the announcement of my transition. Picking up where we left off, I’m excited to share more about my new role and work.
Starting this summer, I will be helping communities across the country build their creative ecosystems through a new entity, incubated by Springboard, which will be home to national projects like the Creative Change Coalition, as well as the Creative Cities Initiative, a new partnership with Knight Foundation. My new title will be Founding Director, Creative Change Coalition, and Senior Advisor at Springboard for the Arts.
I won’t be doing this work alone! My colleagues Jun-Li Wang and Sara Sawicki will be joining me in this new endeavor. The three of us have worked together on Springboard’s national work for several years and have supported the Coalition since its launch.
A special shout-out to Jun-Li: Over her past 15 years at Springboard, Jun-Li has been instrumental in developing programs to engage local artists in cross-sector community development work, as well as growing the organization’s impact. She’ll bring her love of organizing and expert facilitation to connect people, places, and ideas across the country.
We’re excited that these changes create greater clarity and capacity for Springboard to focus on local artists in Minnesota and the region, with a new executive director at the helm.
This will also expand Springboard’s potential to take on national projects, strengthen creative ecosystems across the country, and, deepen the work of the Creative Change Coalition. Here’s to local people, local culture, local power—and to new beginnings!
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