Indy Arts Council is pleased to announce that, after a competitive search and interview process, Anna Tragesser has been promoted to Director of Community Impact and Strategic Investment. Anna has been with the organization for nearly two years and brings almost a decade of experience in grants management and arts administration to this expanded leadership role.

In her previous position as Program Manager, Anna stewarded a portfolio of grant and professional development opportunities for artists and nonprofits. She’s especially proud to have built strong collaborations that strengthened key initiatives, including Art & Soul in partnership with Madam Walker Legacy Center and the Playbook workshop series for artist entrepreneurs. Her work has helped increase access, deepen relationships, and better serve artists and arts organizations across central Indiana.

Anna sits in on a Playbook Series workshop with guest speaker, Mariah Ivey (photo by Kate Oberreich).

In her new role, Anna is excited to deepen partnerships and engage the full talent and wisdom of our creative community for the benefit of all. She will work closely with the Arts Council’s leadership team, board, and funders to shape investments and services that respond to the most pressing needs of artists and nonprofit arts organizations in our region.

A lifelong Hoosier, Anna draws inspiration from the tension and beauty of Midwestern cultural expression. Her career has been guided by a commitment to making work – and life – more sustainable for artists.

Prior to joining Indy Arts Council, Anna served at the Indiana Arts Commission, where she managed hundreds of artist and nonprofit grantees, supported creative community development efforts with municipal governments, and launched an award-winning artist entrepreneurship accelerator. She also brings firsthand perspective as a freelance grant writer and community arts organizer. Anna is deeply committed to an ongoing journey of understanding racial equity and its application within philanthropy and the arts and culture sector.

Connect with Anna at atragesser@indyarts.org, and stay up to date on Indy Arts Council grants and opportunities.

Anna’s headshot (photo: Faith Blackwell)