In our 2022 issue, we’re shining the light on some outstanding leading ladies for all their accomplishments and contributions to society.
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
Did you always know what you wanted to do?
Not at all! My path to the nonprofit and art worlds was not direct but was certainly always part of my subconscious goal. I went to college as a drama major and quickly realized I was much more comfortable behind the scenes. I turned to public relations to work in music promotion, which I did for a couple of years before my foray into the nonprofit sector. My move to Crystal Bridges in 2012 reintroduced the arts into my world.
Best part of your job:
Making art happen.
One thing you’d love to master in business? In your personal life?
Both personally and professionally, I want to work toward better balance. I tend to always blur lines with career and home life.
Quality you admire most in women:
Vulnerability
In what ways have you personally had to pivot during the pandemic?
Navigating life through a pandemic taught me to listen to myself and my needs on a deeper level. I took up gardening and doing very physical yard work almost daily through 2020. I needed the feeling of accomplishment, of making my little area of the world better. I felt the need to earn my bath every day! It is my nature to not easily disconnect from work, but knowing that everyone’s lives had been paused allowed me to finally feel like I could stop and smell the roses. I also took up reading again after a couple years break. That, in itself, was a gift.
In what ways have you professionally had to pivot during the pandemic?
Through the pandemic, I turned more to consulting some of our wonderful nonprofits in our area, working with boards of directors in strategic planning, operations and development. In early 2021, I worked with the board of the Arts Center of the Ozarks to help re-imagine the organization, its mission and its programs. Having been in theater as a child and through high school, I loved being able to think about how community theater impacted me and how it can epitomize collaboration among all performing and visual arts.
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 long-time 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.
What do you do for fun?
TRAVEL! I like visiting new places, but I more so enjoy going back to a few of the places that have stolen my heart over the years. From Wilmington to Memphis, Oklahoma City to New York City, and Marfa to Seattle, I love the sense of place and home I find beyond where I get my mail.
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.
Personal mantra:
We can do hard things.
Best advice you’ve ever received:
Don’t ask someone to do something you haven’t done before or wouldn’t do.
Best part of your day:
Babies and animals will easily put a smile on my face, so any time I get to see friends’ kids and pups, that will be a highlight of my day.
Any hobbies?
If you came to my home, you’d probably say I love plants and gardening. I think I like plants, and I find satisfaction in gardening. This hobby is more of a challenge to me – to keep things alive and spend more time outdoors by creating beautiful spaces.
I also really get into decorating for Christmas. Each year I have some theme or inspired vision. In 2019, I wanted my house to feel like a snowy Hallmark Christmas movie, so there was a lot of flocking involved! In 2020, I went very traditional with Scottish tartan plaids and natural materials.
Surprising fact about you:
My family has deep roots in Memphis and the iconic music that came out of Sun Records and Stax Records. Because my uncle was a professional musician (Wayne Jackson from The Memphis Horns) and played and wrote music with everyone from Otis to Aretha, Elvis to Sam & Dave, and U2 to Sting, I was exposed to a wide variety of music genres and grew up going to concerts at a very early age. At the time, I had no idea how iconic The Memphis Horns were and the significance of their discography. Music is in my DNA, and I still feel the most alive anytime I attend concerts or listen to live music – there’s nothing like it!
Do you still seek out mentors or mentees?
I am constantly absorbing information and learning from others.
How do you stay motivated?
I know every story has another chapter, whether it’s written yet or not. I am motivated to keep writing my story.
Thing you’re most proud of:
Anytime my work has a lasting impact on people, whether one person or a community, I feel purpose. I’m super proud of how far Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA has grown over the years, and it’s rewarding to see my fingerprints on events and programs created over a decade ago continuing as staple events in the community.
You can view Anne’s page in the Leading Ladies segment of the 2022 3W Magazine here.