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Ayanna N. Hudson Joins Americans for the Arts As Chief Programs Officer
Hudson steps into her new role at the nation’s premier arts advocacy organization following a 13-year tenure at the National Endowment for the Arts and previous leadership roles at Local Arts Agencies across the country.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 2, 2025 – Americans for the Arts (AFTA) today announced that Ayanna N. Hudson will serve as its Chief Programs Officer. Hudson will play a key role in leading and advancing programmatic initiatives to effectively serve AFTA’s membership and the broader arts community, as well as champion the arts and their essential role in society.
With three decades of leadership, strategic direction, and relationship building, Ayanna has dedicated her career to expanding access to the arts for Americans. She has fostered inclusive participation in local communities across the country, particularly those with limited opportunities to experience cultural activities, and strengthening the arts ecosystem. During her 13-year tenure at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Ayanna held several senior roles, including Chief Strategy, Programs, and Engagement Officer. She oversaw three national grantmaking programs for non-profit organizations and Local Arts Agencies, ensuring alignment with the agency’s priorities and delivering measurable results. Under her purview, the budget for the Challenge America funding opportunity increased by 20%, extending the reach of the arts into rural and other underserved communities.
Ayanna is a passionate advocate for the arts and a trusted leader in our creative community,” said Erin Harkey, CEO of Americans for the Arts. “She has long been a dedicated supporter of the field, bringing insight, energy, and a deep commitment to the broader mission of advancing the arts. With her proven leadership and forward-thinking approach, we’re excited to see what she will bring to Americans for the Arts at this critical moment for the arts nationwide.”
Hudson said of her appointment: “Americans for the Arts has long been a critical protector of the national arts ecosystem, and I’m honored to join the organization at such a critical time for our sector. I’ve dedicated my career to expanding access, deepening participation, and ensuring equity in the arts, and I look forward to driving this mission alongside the incredible team under the fierce leadership of Erin Harkey. Together, we will continue to uplift the voices of artists and cultural organizations across the country and champion the vital role the arts play in civic life.”
Ayanna also served as Acting Deputy Chair for Programs and Partnerships, guiding the implementation of the NEA’s $135 million American Rescue Plan funding initiative. The initiative distributed $20,200,000 to 66 local arts agencies for subgranting to help the arts and cultural sector recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Hudson also co-led the development of the NEA’s inaugural Equity Action Plan and spearheaded the design of ArtsHERE, a transformative $10 million initiative in collaboration with Regional Arts Organizations. This program aimed to strengthen arts participation in underserved communities through capacity-building support, peer learning networks, technical assistance, and evaluation frameworks.
As NEA Arts Education Director, Ayanna set an ambitious vision to ensure every student has access to an excellent arts education, introducing the agency’s first collective impact, systemic change funding opportunity to address gaps and foster sustainable impact.
Prior to joining the NEA, Ayanna served as the inaugural Director of Arts Education at the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, where she developed and implemented, in partnership with a 100+ cross-sector community coalition, a groundbreaking strategy to provide arts education for all students across the nation’s largest educational system. Her efforts earned widespread recognition for their innovation, scale, and enduring influence. Earlier in her career, Ayanna held leadership positions at the Fulton County Arts Council, spearheading the County’s participation in the groundbreaking Youth Arts Development National Demonstration Project which measured the impact of arts programs on at-promise youth, and championing arts engagement at the local level.
Ayanna joins AFTA as the organization celebrates its Americans for the Arts Annual Convention (AFTACON), from June 11-14 in Cincinnati. The event brings together hundreds of cultural leaders, advocates, and organizations at a crucial moment when the arts face unprecedented challenges. The conference features a Pay-What-You-Can registration model to ensure accessibility for all arts leaders. For more information about AFTACON 2025, visit AFTACON.org.
About Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts (AFTA) is the nation’s leading nonprofit advancing arts and culture by empowering local arts agencies to make arts and culture essential to community vitality. Building on its 65-year legacy, AFTA unites the arts and culture ecosystem, positioning local arts agencies as catalysts for economic growth and community connection nationwide. Its national network transforms isolated efforts into collective impact, broadening access to arts and culture across America. Its affiliate, the Arts Action Fund, handles direct lobbying for federal arts investment and policy. With trusted research, professional development, and connection opportunities, AFTA helps create thriving communities through the arts. Learn more at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.