Anisa Raoof
Grants Program Manager/Arts and Health
Anisa.Raoof.INT@arts.ri.gov
As the Arts and Health Grants Program Manager, Raoof oversees the RISCA Arts and Health Grants program and stewards the Arts and Health partnership with the R.I. Department of Health to advance the integration of the arts, art-therapies, and health and well-being in Rhode Island. In partnership they lead the Arts and Health Artist in Residence program and Arts and Health: In Conversation series. In addition, Raoof supports the front and back end of the RISCA grants management system. Raoof believes the arts are integral to her personal wellbeing and to the cultural and civic health of all. She enjoys working with a team that believe in the transformative power of arts and culture, and that we all benefit from creative expression and a culturally vibrant state. Together we are working toward ensuring that arts and culture is accessible and contributes to health and well-being of all Rhode Island residents.
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.
Bio
As the Arts and Health Grants Program Manager, Raoof has a passion for design, film, food, music and finding innovative ways to connect with the community. She has partnered with numerous organizations to create and support family programming through her work as former Executive Director of the Providence Children’s Film Festival, founder and publisher of Kidoinfo, a parenting website for Rhode Island families (2007-2017) and as a member of The Media Education Lab. With a degree in psychology, and a minor in painting, Anisa is fascinated by how we see and deal with the world. After college, she was part of a team researching what makes children stress resilient before starting her own design company making jewelry and home accessories and co-founding the Providence Craft Show. In her current role at the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, she enjoys working with the RISCA team to provide all Rhode Islanders an opportunity to experience the arts. And in partnership with the R.I. Department of Health, collectively working to promote the importance of the arts to advance individual and community health and well-being.
