ANNE JACKSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ARTS ONE PRESENTS
Anne has been a dedicated advocate of the nonprofit and arts sectors in Northwest Arkansas for more than 17 years. Claiming dual hometowns in both Memphis and Atlanta, Anne moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1999 to attend the University of Arkansas. Anne briefly worked in music promotions and corporate radio before diving into the nonprofit arena. Anne has worked in development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NWA, Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. For the past three years, she worked in operations and high-profile event management for major festivals including The Atlantic Festival in Washington, D.C. and Bentonville Film Festival. Now the executive director of Arts One Presents, Anne is leading an effort to empower artists and engage communities, while supporting local businesses and arts districts.
Education: B.A. Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations, University of Arkansas
What nonprofits are you involved with and why? I’m fortunate to be connected to several nonprofit organizations, whether through committee and board work, consulting or collaborations. I’m a longtime and loyal supporter of Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA and the Children’s Safety Center of Washington County. I am also incredibly proud to have served on committees for the Color of Hope Gala for Arkansas Children’s Northwest and the Suits & Sneakers Gala for American Cancer Society. I have a passion for helping others, especially my friends and colleagues who work with our nonprofit community, so I also commit time to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, NWA Chapter, where I served as president in 2013 and Co-Chair for National Philanthropy Day in 2021.
Why theater and art? My first stage performance at age 6 was at the West Memphis Community Theater in a production of “South Pacific.” After years of community theater and choir, I participated on and off the stage in several high school plays and musicals. Though I started college as a drama major, I later realized that rather than being the actor, making the art myself, I prefer to make art happen for artists and communities. What I love about art is that there are no wrong answers. How you interpret a painting or sculpture may be very different from my interpretation, but both of our experiences are valid and welcome. Art is a conversation and a catalyst for change. That’s powerful.
Do you collect art yourself? Yes! From contemporary works from Dan Jamieson to original pen and ink works from my great-great-grandmother, my walls are flooded with an eclectic collection of original artworks. We have an incredibly talented creative community right here in NWA, and I’m so glad I get to personally know some of the artists whose works I get to live with every day, including Amber Perrodin, Aaron Bleidt, Allison Hobbs, Rachel McClintock, Jennifer Matsubara, Emily Smith and Sandra Spotts.
Who is your biggest inspiration? I find inspiration in most people I’m surrounded by or who I have met along my journey. I am beyond fortunate to have friends who are working each day to create a world that is more accessible, equitable, inclusive and sustainable. I am attracted to authenticity of character and am inspired by those who exude genuine kindness to others. I’m always listening, watching and learning.