Anisa Raoof
Arts and Health Program Director/Grants Manager
Anisa.Raoof.INT@arts.ri.gov
Anisa Raoof (she/her/hers) is Director of Arts and Health Programming and Grants Manager for the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) as well as co-lead of the Rhode Island Arts and Health Network. In her role at RISCA, Anisa oversees the arts and health grant program, builds partnerships and facilitates convenings to amplify and support integrating the arts into health-based initiatives. She enjoys working with her colleagues and across sectors in the community to ensure all Rhode Islanders have access to the arts.
With a passion for design, film, and finding innovative ways to connect, Anisa has partnered with numerous individuals and organizations over the years to build and support programming for all ages. Her work includes serving as Executive Director of the Providence Children’s Film Festival and founding and publishing the family website Kidoinfo (2007–2017). She holds a degree in Psychology with a minor in Painting from the University of Rochester and is fascinated by how we see and interact with the world. After college, she was part of a research team focused on child resilience and adaptability before launching her own design company, creating jewelry and metal home accessories, and co-founding the Providence Craft Show. A Buffalo, NY native, Anisa moved to Providence with her husband, drawn by its arts community. One of her recent creative challenges and passion is learning to play guitar, writing music, and performing with her band, The Persisters.
Q. What is some of the work you did before you came to RISCA?
A. An eclectic mix: psychology research, graphic, web and product design, retail window designer, marketing and communications, craft show promoter, craft artist, publisher, nonprofit manager.
Q. What comprises your artistic practice, current or past? Do you have a favorite artwork or collaborative project?
A. Design, printmaking, jewelry, metal work and most recently – ceramics. One of my favorite artistic collaborations was being asked to join a band in 2017 before I knew how to play a guitar. Thanks to the support of my five bandmates, I stepped out of my comfort zone to take on this challenge of learning a new art form and performing in public.