In a world often divided by differences, few forces are as unifying as the arts. They transcend barriers, spark imagination, and empower individuals to tell their stories with bold confidence. One woman leading the charge in this creative revolution is Diane Strand, an award-winning producer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of JDS Creative Academy. With a passion rooted in personal transformation and a mission to make the arts accessible to all, Strand is expanding her impact across the nation through Arts Across America (AAA).
We sat down with her to talk about the inspiration behind her work, the heart of her initiatives, and what’s next for her growing creative empire.
What inspired you to launch Arts Across America?
This mission began when I started connecting the dots in my own life. I realized how the arts had always been there for me, whether I needed to pick myself back up or take on a new challenge. I would always turn to the arts to move forward. That realization lit a passion and gave me purpose. I knew I had to share that experience, that power, and help others access it too.
How would you describe the vision behind Arts Across America, and what do you hope it will accomplish?
The goal is to create spaces where everyone, youth, teens, adults, and individuals with special needs, has access to the transformative power of the arts. It’s not just about career pathways in the arts; it’s about learning tools for collaboration, building confidence, developing grit and creativity, and stepping out of your comfort zone. I envision Creative Academies in every city, where the doors are open for people to explore the arts in ways that enrich their lives.
What kind of impact have you seen so far from Arts Across America?
Personally, the arts kept me connected to school and even taught me how to read as a dyslexic child. It helped me find my voice in a male-dominated industry. Today, I work with adults with developmental disabilities, and I’ve seen firsthand how creative tools empower them to learn, grow, and adapt. I’ve witnessed teens turn their lives around through acting, dance, and music, boosting their performance in English, Math, and social skills. The sense of achievement from creating something, performing, and being applauded? It’s life-changing.
How does your show, Spirit of Innovation, support this mission?
Spirit of Innovation is more than a TV show. It’s a training platform. It allows adults with developmental disabilities to gain hands-on experience in a live production environment. It’s also a storytelling tool; we share news, art, creativity, and voices that might otherwise go unheard. It’s a bridge between innovation, education, and media, all under one roof.
Tell us about DigiFest Temecula. How did it start, and what does it represent today?
We launched DigiFest ten years ago to fill a void left by an international film festival that had left the region. But it quickly became much more. It’s a space where students, emerging creatives, and professionals can collaborate and celebrate digital creativity. It’s inclusive of all digital art forms: film, podcasting, gaming, graphic design, script writing, and even computer-generated fine art. The festival helps creators build credibility, share their work, and connect with a larger audience.
How do you view the connection between arts, media, and innovation, especially for young or emerging creators?
The arts influence every aspect of life: business, relationships, and communication. They bring people together and foster common ground. For young creators, the arts are a powerful way to innovate, market, and build new tools and ideas. They open doors to dialogue and understanding, and they inspire solutions that hadn’t been considered before. Innovation doesn’t happen without creativity.
What drives you personally to keep going with this work?
My family is my biggest inspiration. The arts helped me build a successful career in the entertainment industry and become an entrepreneur, what I like to call a “creativepreneur.” They’ve allowed me to work with my husband and integrate our three children into the world of arts and business. I see the arts as a space where youth can be seen, find their voice, and realize that every role matters. No one gets left behind in a creative community.
Can you give us a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes process of bringing your projects to life?
It’s all about collaboration and teamwork. There’s a lot of fun, laughter, and creative brainstorming, but also hard work, learning, and problem-solving. Whether we’re building a DIY set, launching a digital campaign, or mentoring a student, there’s a sense of shared purpose that drives it all.
What’s coming next for you and your organizations?
We’re going full force into our mission with a packed fall calendar. Our youth, teen, and adult classes in filmmaking, scriptwriting, backstage production, and musical theater are ramping up; we’re staging Frozen Jr. this winter. We also have our Haunted Studio fundraiser, which begins as a creative class and ends as a live community event. Plus, we’re launching Confidence and Creativity Live, a summit for speakers, coaches, and business leaders. Through it all, we’re helping people build confidence, find purpose, and turn their passion into profit.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about Arts Across America or your current projects?
I encourage everyone to get involved, use the arts to enrich your life and your business. Get creative. Leverage your skills to market, scale, and build something meaningful. When you find your passion and turn it into purpose, the pathway to confidence and success opens wide.
For those who want to get involved, how can they connect?
We’re very accessible, just reach out via
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: jdsstudio.live or artsacrossamerica.org
- If you’re in the Temecula, California area, come visit us! You can also catch us on local and national TV. We welcome everyone to be a part of this movement.
Transforming Lives
Diane Strand isn’t just advocating for the arts; she’s proving how they transform lives, one project at a time. Whether it’s through a TV broadcast, a film festival, or a hands-on class, her vision is clear: empower communities through creativity. As Arts Across America continues to grow, so too does the impact of its mission— bridging gaps, building skills, and turning passion into powerful purpose for people of all walks of life.
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