Maria Jackson

Maria Rosario Jackson is Professor at The Design School and College of Public Service at Arizona State University, where she leads the Studio for Creativity, Place and Equitable Communities. An expert in comprehensive revitalization strategies, she advises governments and philanthropies on arts-integrated community development, drawing on 18 years at Urban Institute.

Research Focus: Cultural ecosystem frameworks, race-conscious placekeeping, and metrics for equitable creative economies.

Practice: Develops evaluation systems for arts and culture initiatives in underserved communities, emphasizing participatory methods and systemic change.