Arts Initiative appoints Director of Communications & Marketing Strategy

The Arts Initiative, a University of Michigan presidential initiative activating the arts in learning, research, and public service, announced today that Anna Johnson has been appointed as the new Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy to assist and propel campus-wide arts communications that spans 20 arts units and departments. An experienced communications leader, Ms. Johnson comes to the Arts Initiative with over 15 years of communications experience, spanning education institutions, theater, and design industries. Most recently she served as Creative Director for Anna Elizabeth Graphic Design, as well as Communications Specialist for the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. There, she was responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of the communications for educational institutions, arts organizations, for-profit companies, educators, publishers, design firms, and individuals.

Prior to University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Johnson worked for Chicago’s Stage 773 as the Marketing Director. Johnson is also returning to U-M as she previously worked in the Office of Enrollment as a Multimedia Designer.

"Following a very competitive national search, we are excited to welcome Anna Johnson to the U-M Arts Initiative. She brings deep experience and fresh ideas to our team, and impressed all not only with her individual, artistic flair but also with a generous and collaborative spirit that will help to energize arts communication across the entire U-M arts ecosystem and with our many organizational partners," said Mark Clague, Interim Executive Director, Arts Initiative.

Johnson’s role is effective May 6th.