OUR
STORY
In 2022, founder Laci McClain set out to discover who was representing the arts in Westfield—and found nothing. No formal arts organization had existed since 2016. Refusing to let creativity fade, she connected with Erin O’Rear of The Wandering Peacock. Their first meeting in Erin’s downtown shop, sparked the beginning of the Westfield Creative Collective (WCC). With mentorship from Aili McGill of Noblesville Creates, they began transforming a simple idea into a movement—one rooted in collaboration, opportunity, and shared vision.
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Building the Creative Ecosystem
What started as an idea for an arts council has evolved into a thriving grassroots network of creative entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators. WCC creates pathways for creatives to connect, grow, and collaborate through networking gatherings, roundtables, and professional development programs. Every initiative is designed to help creatives gain visibility, sharpen their craft, and build sustainable careers.
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Collaboration in Action
In just a year, WCC has built strong partnerships with organizations like Noblesville Creates, Pattern, Rivet Coffee, and the City of Westfield Economic Development Team. Together they’ve created opportunities for dozens of small businesses, artists and creative entrepreneurs through collaborations such as: the affordable space initiative, professional development workshops and creative Network Gatherings. Because when creatives thrive—communities thrive.
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Rock Studios
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Looking ahead, WCC is laying the foundation for Rock Studios—an affordable creative space, incubator, and accelerator designed to fuel innovation and collaboration.
At Westfield Creative Collective, nurturing creativity isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. We’re cultivating a creative economy where every voice matters, every connection counts, and creativity drives the community forward.
MEET OUR TEAM
Laci Knieper (McClain)
Founder & CEO
Laci McClain is the visionary founder behind the Westfield Creative Collective, driven by a deep belief in the power of creativity to strengthen lives and communities. Laci is a multidisciplinary artist at heart, she has spent years exploring creative expression through dance instruction, theatrical production, poetry, music, and visual art. Her artistic journey reflects her belief in transformation, growth, and the value of embracing new possibilities.
Laci brings a strong background in non-profit leadership and community-focused work. She has served on the board of a local Indianapolis nonprofit, where she helped lead major fundraising initiatives, expand community engagement strategies, and support the organization’s long-term sustainability. These experiences shaped her approach to leadership—rooted in creative problem-solving, collaboration, and building systems that empower others to succeed.
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Through the Westfield Creative Collective, Laci continues to champion local creatives, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. She is committed to creating opportunities, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting the development of a thriving creative ecosystem. Her work reflects a professional dedication to uplifting others, cultivating community, and helping people bring their ideas to life.
Linky Ugeh
Co-Founder & Board President
Linky is the Editor in Chief of MBR. MBR is a national publication that amplifies business perspectives from industry experts. Linky oversees operations and editorial at the publication, working with her team to deliver a product and experience that exemplifies the excellence of the people and businesses highlighted.
Linky’s is an advocate for women empowerment and mental health awareness. Linky’s work in women’s empowerment started at the Graça Machel Trust, a global non-profit committed to women’s economic advancement, and continued at a local non-profit, Purposeful Living INC, where she led the Communications department. Her Project management and Communications expertise has been pivotal in the various roles she has undertaken.
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She is a published author, having been inspired by her children to write a children’s travel series. Linky is a creative who always has her pen and paper ready with the belief that "Every story matters.”
