Fine Arts Programming

Anna Thompson

Executive Director of Fine Arts Programming

Since 1998, Anna Thompson has been making great strides in the area of fine arts programming at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. While CSB and SJU each have a long history of presenting quality performances and exhibitions in their respective venues, it wasn't until Thompson arrived that the first joint CSB/SJU "Partners in the Arts" season was presented.

Thompson, who is the executive director of fine arts programming at CSB/SJU, and her staff have created a treasure in the heart of central Minnesota through the fine arts programming department. Through collaboration, innovative ideas and involvement, CSB/SJU has become a leader in presenting the arts, and every year, more partnerships develop and the programming becomes stronger and more diverse.

In January 2004, Thompson was recognized for her efforts and accomplishments by North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents (NAPAMA.) She will be presented with the second annual NAPAMA Award for Excellence in Presenting the Performing Arts.

At CSB/SJU, Thompson administers programming at the Benedicta Arts Center at CSB and the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater at SJU as well as the SJU Art Center and the CSB Galleries.

Her 20 years of experience in the arts ranges from teaching and research to performance and administration. Thompson has served on the Albion College Alumni Board and as a panelist for the Indiana Arts Commission and the Minnesota State Arts Board. Currently, she serves as a board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, VSA arts of Minnesota and the vocal ensemble Cantus.

Thompson is frequently a speaker on the arts at the regional and national level and is also published in the field. Her most recent publication was "The Power of Transformational Theater" in the March/April issue of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters' Inside Art magazine. In 2001, she served as chair of the Local Arrangements Committee for the Arts Midwest conference in St. Paul and has been an active member of the Minnesota Presenters Network for the past six years. She also is a member of Dance USA, Chamber Music America, Theatre Communications Group and the Association of Performing Arts Presenters.

She has facilitated music commissions for the American Brass Quintet by Bruce Adolphe (Triskelion) and Eric Ewazen (Shadowcatcher), as well as Music of the Canvas by David Ott for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the opening of the Hulman Pavilion at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. At CSB/SJU, she has commissioned works for the vocal ensemble Cantus and has secured funding for multiple dance commissions and extended residencies. These include three commissions for Diavolo Dance Theater (Catapult, Trajectoire and DreamCatcher), Donald Byrd’s Duke Ellington: In a Different Light, Too Many Cooks by David Parsons and most recently Split Sides by Merce Cunningham.

Thompson is dedicated to lifelong learning in and through the arts. She has said that her greatest joy is facilitating connections between artists and audiences.