Life has been an adventurous journey for our newest FACE of Memphis, Rachel Knox. While earning her fine arts degree from the University of Memphis, she realized that, although she loved the arts, she wasn’t passionate about creating her own work. Instead, Rachel found her energy and purpose in ensuring artists have the resources and audiences they need to thrive. She’s doing exactly that as the senior program officer for the Hyde Family Foundation‘s Arts and Culture Program. Meet Rachel Knox!
Tell us about your background. What was your childhood like?
My childhood was filled with art and culture. My mom was an English teacher, and my world was filled with books, plays, films, and music — especially classics like the Jackson 5, the GAP Band, and Tony Bennett.
As I got older, she took me to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens on free mornings to see the art, and on occasion, we would see a show at the Orpheum. I also took violin and piano lessons (although I didn’t stick with either. I am truly a jack-of-all-trades and master of none!).
My upbringing emphasized how important the arts are and how much joy they bring to the world.
How did your career path lead you to the Hyde Family Foundation?
When I returned to Memphis after a post-grad fellowship at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., I worked at the Orpheum in the education department, helping students who couldn’t afford tickets experience theater for free. That experience opened my eyes to the economic challenges facing so many in our community and made me want to do more. In my youthful idealism, I thought running for office was the answer, so I did! I ran for city council and — surprisingly — made it to a run-off, though I ultimately lost.
Still determined to make an impact through policy, I moved to Innovate Memphis, planning to focus on driving systemic change. But here’s the funny thing: I kept gravitating toward projects involving creatives and artists. It was like the universe was telling me my journey in the arts wasn’t over! Around that time, the Hyde Family Foundation was looking for an arts and culture program officer, and I was fortunate enough to land the role.
What does your role as the Senior Program Officer for Arts and Culture entail?
On paper, I oversee the Hyde Family Foundation’s arts and culture grant-making to ensure it aligns with our mission and evaluate how effective those grants are. But in reality, my role is so much richer. At Hyde, we embrace what our President Teresa Sloyan calls “sleeves-rolled-up” philanthropy. Yes, writing checks matters, but actively working alongside our grant recipients is equally important.
This means bringing people together to create meaningful change, advocating for those who might not otherwise have a seat at the table, and supporting their efforts to grow. I absolutely love the work and the opportunity to strengthen our arts ecosystem.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I’m a convener at heart! I truly believe leadership is a team sport. So often, people work in silos — deep in their own projects without many chances to collaborate. Since philanthropy gives me this unique birds-eye view of the sector, I can spot similar initiatives and bring them together. Getting everyone on the same page can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Challenging the status quo! The foundation has this amazing history of fearlessly tackling difficult projects and staying committed through the end. Sometimes, the work is arduous and can take decades before you see real progress. But creating something new that benefits our community is deeply fulfilling.
And we definitely don’t do this work alone! I’m incredibly fortunate to work with passionate leaders across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Those partnerships are where the real magic happens.
What are a few projects or partnerships that truly illustrate the Foundation’s impact on arts and culture in the 901?
The foundation has a rich history supporting arts and culture — Ballet Memphis, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Hattiloo Theatre are just a few legacy projects where we played an instrumental role either in the creation of the organization or its evolution.
More recently, the Brooks Museum’s move downtown and our support for next-generation arts organizations like Memphis Music Initiative, Cazateatro, and Contemporary Art Memphis show how we’re continuing to build on the artistic excellence and genius that already exists here in Memphis.
Switching gears a little, what do you love most about Memphis?
Oh, the people, hands down! I don’t think you could find a city with more amazing citizens. And the food — Memphis has incredible restaurants at every level. I love Sen Trang (so glad they kept the lemongrass tofu!), Mahogany, and JEM ( I love Chef Josh and Emily Mutchnick, and the food is incredible. Ask about the sunchoke soup)!
In addition to your work, you are involved in other ways to strengthen Memphis’s arts culture. Tell us about your service on the boards and committees that are important to you.
While I can’t serve on boards of organizations we might potentially fund, I am fortunate to be involved with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the grant-makers in the Arts Cultural Policy Committee. I also co-chaired Mayor Paul Young’s arts and culture transition team as he was coming into the office. These experiences have given me opportunities to support Memphis’s amazing creative work from both state and national perspectives and introduce the incredible work happening here to people outside of Memphis.
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
That’s a tough question because my love for art is so intertwined with my work! But whenever I get to experience arts as an audience member rather than dealing with the administrative side, it reminds me why I love what I do. You’ll catch me at Collage Dance Collective performances and Opera Memphis shows. More than anything, you’ll probably find me at Restaurant IRIS, which has quickly become my favorite haunt. Everything on the menu is delicious! After all, food is also part of our culture!
What is your best piece of advice?
One of my brilliant colleagues, Amber Hamilton, once said something that’s become a guiding principle for me: “Sometimes our only opposition is the status quo.” This idea was so powerful that I printed it out and hung it above my workspace. In both our professional and personal lives, the obstacles we face often aren’t people actively working against us — they’re outdated systems and a sense of apathy that convinces us that change is impossible. So, I try to challenge the status quo in my work every day!
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Audiobooks, WYXR, and the Memphis Grizzlies — because basketball is culture, too!
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