Some moments in history feel like a long-overdue shift toward progress, and Anne Collins Smith being named as Chief Curator at the New Orleans Museum of Art is a groundbreaking step toward a more inclusive and representative art world. Now, she has not only reached the pinnacle of a career she has meticulously built but also made history. As the first Black American and the first Black native New Orleanian to hold a full curatorial role at NOMA, this is more than a personal achievement—it is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and cultural stewardship.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Smith said, reflecting on her long journey in the art world. That journey began with a deep foundation in African American art, nurtured at Spelman College, where she earned her undergraduate degree before going on to complete an MA in visual arts administration at New York University. Over the years, she has held influential positions at institutions including the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, the Davis Museum at Wellesley College, and the Saint Louis Art Museum. Through these experiences, she honed her commitment to making art both accessible and resonant across diverse audiences.
Yet, her new endeavor at NOMA holds a significance that extends beyond her impressive resume. It is deeply personal—a homecoming and a duty that carries weight. “It means that I’ve done the work, and I can be a representative of all that’s great about New Orleans,” she said. “It means that I get to represent a plethora of communities that help to shape me.”