Staff
SEMAC employs a small staff which includes an executive director, a grants program manager, an outreach & accessibility manager, and a contract communications manager:
Desmond Anabrang joined SEMAC as a Grant Programs Manager in November 2025. Before moving to Minnesota, he spent several years working closely with rural communities in Indonesia, supporting arts programming, cultural research, and community-based initiatives. His work has focused on collaboration, cultural continuity, and creating opportunities for artists and makers across different regions. He is excited to immerse himself in the heartbeat of Southeast Minnesota’s community; focusing on intertwining culture, heritage, daily life, and personal and collective reflection.
Desmond can be reached by emailing staff@semac.org,
or by phone at (507) 281-4848, or directly at (507) 281-1733.
Sara Cutlip (she/her) joined SEMAC as a contract Communications Manager in December 2025. As a graphic designer, photographer, and artist currently based in Winona, Minnesota, she has previous local communications marketing experience with the Bluff Country Co-op and various other small local businesses and organizations. With her belief that all art is an outlet for sharing stories and life experiences, she is excited to help the people of Southeastern Minnesota to share theirs.
Sara may be reached by emailing communications@semac.org.
Sharon Mansur (she/her) joined SEMAC as Outreach & Accessibility Manager in November 2024. She is a multifaceted dance and interdisciplinary artist, curator, educator, community engager and arts administrator originally from Boston and now based in Winona, Minnesota. Sharon directs The Cedar Tree Project, presenting Arab/SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) contemporary art, and is passionate about making art, culture and creativity relevant and accessible for everyone. She has extensive experience working in arts organizations across the U.S. and has taught in a diverse range of university and community settings.
Sharon may be reached by emailing sharon@semac.org
or by phone at (507) 281-4848, directly at (507) 322-1088, or TTY user dial 711.
Anastasia Shartin joined SEMAC as Executive Director in June 2023. She brings more than 35 years of experience as a curator, arts administrator, and community leader, including serving as Visual Arts Director at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisconsin, for 23 years. Over her career Anastasia has worked with thousands of artists to produce exhibitions, performances, and community collaborations, with a special focus on developing interdisciplinary partnerships. She deeply believes the arts are essential to thriving communities and her leadership has been recognized with honors including the Arts in the Community Award from Arts Wisconsin and the St. Croix Watershed Stewardship Award.
Anastasia may be reached by emailing anastasia@semac.org,
or by phone at (507) 281-4848, or directly at (507) 281-8373.