Anne Collins Smith

Anne Collins Smith is the Director and curator of Xavier University of Louisiana Art Gallery. She is a veteran curator and arts leader whose practice incorporates the literary, visual, and performing arts. Smith is committed to safeguarding and advancing the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ visual arts programs and art collections. For over 18 years she served as the Curator of Collections at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art where she was integral to advancing and shepherding the collection and the establishment of the Curatorial Studies program.

During her tenure at Spelman she fostered greater awareness of the College’s collection and advocated, secured the Museum’s first international loans, and co-shepherded the Museum to its acclaim. Smith conceptualized "Silver Linings: Celebrating the Spelman College Collection" that is presented in partnership with Art Bridges and is touring through 2026. While at Spelman, she also organized "PRESENCE: Meditations," "Maren Hassinger. . . Dreaming" (2015), "Howardena Pindell" (2015), "Multiple Choice" (2013), and "Showcase & Tell" (2009). Her curatorial projects in progress include "Eye Ten," "Real Good Hands," and, "Always a Pleasure," among others.

Smith is a fellow of 2021 Center for Curatorial Leadership program. In addition to her leadership roles, she champions civic service and participates on numerous arts selection and funding panels. She serves on the boards of Association of Art Museum Curators and the New Orleans African American Museum. She was appointed by the city to serve on New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund is also active on the New Orleans Museum of Art’s exhibition committee.