Meet Quan Walker

Originally from Flint, Michigan, Quan Walker came to Columbus in 2011. But after a few years focusing on raising her children as a housewife, she decided to get more involved in the community. Walker started volunteering at United Way of the Golden Triangle Region, which led to her working as the organization’s volunteer director.

After almost a decade at United Way, Walker recently decided to take a leap – becoming the executive director of the Columbus Arts Council. The organization announced in January Walker’s new role encouraging the arts council’s mission.

Reporter Abigail Sipe Rochester asked Walker questions about her new position in mid-February.

What originally brought you into the nonprofit world?

My journey into the nonprofit world was inspired by my grandmother, Dorothy J. Walker. She was a true community leader, founding and leading the local block club with unwavering dedication. From organizing back-to-school fashion shows and fundraising events to hosting community Halloween and Christmas parties, she brought people together in meaningful ways. She also collaborated with city officials and the mayor to secure grants that helped beautify and strengthen our neighborhood. Her legacy of service and commitment to bettering the lives of others is what first sparked my passion for nonprofit work.

What do you feel like you learned while working at United Way?

During my time at United Way, I learned that there are countless people in the community who are genuinely committed to creating a better future for our youth, and they are willing to take action to make that happen. I also saw that there are still many good-hearted individuals out there, eager to make a difference. However, one of the challenges we face is getting this information to the right people. It’s crucial that we educate the community on the ways they can contribute. While financial support is important, volunteering can make a huge impact as well. People often don’t know what they don’t know, and it’s up to those who have the knowledge to help guide them and show them how they can get involved.

Why did you decide to apply to be executive director of the Columbus Arts Council?

This opportunity wasn’t something I initially planned, as I truly enjoyed my role as volunteer director at United. I loved connecting with new people and creating meaningful volunteer opportunities for the community. However, I decided to apply for the executive director position with the arts council as a way to challenge myself and expand my impact. I see this role as an exciting chance to contribute to the community in a different way – leveraging my experience in leadership and community engagement to bringing fresh opportunities and support to the arts.

What are some of the challenges you are facing, and how do you hope to overcome them?

One of the main challenges I’m facing is increasing attendance, membership and community support. To address this, I plan to build stronger partnerships with local businesses, churches and schools. By fostering these connections, I aim to raise awareness and actively promote the events and activities happening at the arts council, ensuring that more people in the community are aware of the opportunities available and feel encouraged to get involved.

What does art mean to you? How do you see that working into the arts council’s mission going forward?

Art means a great deal to me, as it was something my grandmother truly embodied. She was incredibly creative, making handmade wedding bouquets and mastering netting and crocheting. I have vivid memories of spending Saturdays with her at Joann Fabrics, watching her select fabrics for her next project. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to sit with her and learn those skills, but I now recognize that those crafts are a form of art that shouldn’t be lost. Art is everywhere around us, in so many different forms. From dance, song and comedy to culinary arts, poetry and theater – art is in everything. Even fields like engineering and construction are driven by creativity. Every creation starts as an idea, drawn on paper, and brought to life through talent. Moving forward, I see the arts council as a place to celebrate and preserve all forms of art, ensuring they continue to thrive and inspire others.

Has anything surprised you so far since becoming executive director?

What has truly surprised me is the immense love for art within our community. There is so much hidden talent here, and it’s inspiring to see how people express themselves through various forms of art. I’m eager to help the arts council showcase all types of art, because much like beauty, art is in the eye of the beholder. There’s something powerful in every creative expression, and I want to make sure that we provide a platform for all of it.

INTERVIEWED BY ABIGAIL SIPE ROCHESTER

PHOTO BY RORY DOYLE