Hinson named Arts Council director

An artist herself, Hinson said she is passionate about the arts and the Arts Council and wants to see the organization continue to flourish in Wayne County.

“(The Arts Council) is the beacon for the arts. Anytime someone has a question or need or is just interested in art, they come to us,” said Hinson. “We might not have the answer, but we always know how to get them to where they need to go.

“Our mission is to ensure the arts thrive in our county.”

Hinson is taking the reins from Jack Kannan, who recently stepped down as executive director. She said she is thankful for Kannan’s leadership and friendship during his tenure.

“I don’t know if we would be here if (Kannan) didn’t come in, or it would be maybe a completely remote type of organization, and we’ve always had a brick and mortar,” Hinson said.

A Goldsboro native, Hinson grew up with an appreciation for the arts. She was also inspired by the art teachers she had growing up.

Hinson attended Eastern Wayne High School before graduating from East Carolina University.

After graduating from ECU, Hinson told herself that she would not come back to Wayne County, but she was called back because of its dire need for the arts, and she spent almost a decade as an art teacher at Eastern Wayne High School.

“I went to East Carolina on a teaching scholarship when teaching fellows was still around for art education, so I kind of double majored even though I didn’t get the title, it was the education and studio art portion of it,” said Hinson. “I concentrated in small metal design, which is jewelry, and ECU is one of the few schools that still has that program.”

Hinson said her time as an educator served a huge purpose in her life and helped her understand how the arts are important as an outlet for people to express their creativity.

“Every aspect of that position grew me into who I was, and that eventually led me to the Arts Council,” Hinson said.

Hinson first became involved with the Arts Council in 2015 as a part-time employee, and after some time away from the Arts Council, she became a studio artist.

“That just fed my soul, and it led to knowing the board of directors, which they recruited me as a board (member) for a little over a year, and that was when we had our transition of locations,” Hinson said.

Hinson then became the Arts Council programs and marketing director, while the Arts Council moved from its old location at 102 N. John St. to its current one at 139 W. Walnut St., in January 2023.

At the time, Kannan came on board as the executive director and helped stabilize the Arts Council and get it back up and running.

“Programs really focused on education and small events, and when I mean small events, I don’t mean our big fundraisers or performances,” said Hinson. “Marketing was social media. Then we did our community calendar and graphic design as well.”

Hinson said that she learned a lot through her experience with the Arts Council and working alongside Kannan, which inspired her to apply to become the new executive director after Kannan stepped down.

As the new executive director, she is concentrating on keeping the Arts Council financially stable, continuing to help local arts organizations, and managing and growing the goals of the Abrts Council staff.

“It was just a natural transition,” said Hinson. “If someone elbse in our bubble succeeds, I feel like I’ve succeeded.”

Nathan Lean, Arts Council of Wayne County board chairman, said the board selected Hinson, who has been a faithful advocate for the Arts Council for years and an anchor in the community.

“In her previous role as the Arts Council’s programs and marketing director, Anna navigated the organization through the pandemic, grew its programs and classes, and demonstrated vision and passion that have led to many recent successes,” Lean said.

“In her new role as the head of the organization, she will build on these accomplishments and nurture relationships with people and organizations who make Wayne County such an exceptional place to live and work.

“She begins this new chapter with the full support of the Arts Council’s board and staff, and the organization is proud to have her at the helm.”