Anuli Akanegbu (pronounced: Ah-noo-lee A-ka-nay-boo, pronouns: she/her/hers) is an ethnographic researcher and writer, educator, and independent arts evaluator based in Atlanta. As a cultural anthropologist and cultural worker, Anuli strives to envision new opportunities to lay the groundwork for long-term systems change through the application of human-centered design thinking to the arts. She is a truth-seeker, storyteller, and problem-solver with a unique blend of academic training and marketing industry expertise who is committed to the strategic development and growth of arts professionals, arts organizations, and municipalities. Anuli is currently a doctoral candidate at New York University and will graduate with a degree in cultural anthropology in May 2024. Before pursuing her doctorate, Anuli worked as a senior strategist and brand planner at Edelman, a global public relations and marketing consultancy firm. Anuli’s diverse background enables her to approach the arts not only as a critic and scholar but also as a strategic thinker. As a passionate advocate for public scholarship, Anuli Akanegbu is determined to push the boundaries of how knowledge is produced, experienced, and valued so that anthropological insights are more accessible and relevant to broader audiences. Anuli is an active participant in the cultural community and has contributed to discussions on the role of the arts in society and the importance of preserving cultural heritage through her multimedia education platform BLK IRL® and her independently-produced podcast “The BLK IRL Podcast” (www.blkirl.com). Learn more about Anuli Akanegbu online at www.anuliwashere.com.

Anuli Akanegbu (pronounced: Ah-noo-lee A-ka-nay-boo, pronouns: she/her/hers) is an ethnographic researcher and writer, educator, and independent arts evaluator based in Atlanta. As a cultural anthropologist and cultural worker, Anuli strives to envision new opportunities to lay the groundwork for long-term systems change through the application of human-centered design thinking to the arts. She is a truth-seeker, storyteller, and problem-solver with a unique blend of academic training and marketing industry expertise who is committed to the strategic development and growth of arts professionals, arts organizations, and municipalities.

Anuli is currently a doctoral candidate at New York University and will graduate with a degree in cultural anthropology in May 2024. Anuli earned a bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude) from Howard University’s School of Communications and has also completed graduate-level coursework through NYU’s Experimental Humanities & Social Engagement (XE) master’s program. As an ethnographic researcher and writer, she is most drawn to projects that blend creativity and scholarship to present thematically diverse insights about the relationship between identity and imagination. Her scholarly interests are situated at the nexus between cultural anthropology, identity studies, history, and creative methodologies, with a particular emphasis on labor and creative production. Anuli is a passionate advocate for public scholarship. As an educator, she is determined to push the boundaries of how knowledge is produced, experienced, and valued so that anthropological insights are more accessible and relevant to broader audiences. Her doctoral research study, "The South Got Something to Share," serves as the basis for her forthcoming book about the genealogy of creative contract work and its interactions with identity as well as the role of the imagination in Atlanta's city branding efforts.

Before pursuing her doctorate, Anuli worked as a senior strategist and brand planner at Edelman, a global public relations and marketing consultancy firm. Fascinated by ideas and skilled in execution, she expertly worked across various budgets, methodologies, and timelines to lead cross-functional teams in the development of activation strategies and consumer research projects for multinational brands across the beauty, personal care, food, technology, and retail sectors. This diverse background enables Anuli to approach the arts not only as a critic and scholar but also as a strategic thinker. She is adept at applying marketing strategies to the arts, helping arts practitioners and arts organizations to build stronger connections with their audiences and to communicate the value and relevance of cultural experiences. These transferable skills have informed her work as an independent arts evaluation consultant for arts organizations and municipalities such as the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Anuli is an active participant in the cultural community and has contributed to discussions on the role of the arts in society and the importance of preserving cultural heritage through her multimedia education platform BLK IRL® and her independently-produced podcast “The BLK IRL Podcast'' (www.blkirl.com). She has also been invited to share her insights about culture, identity, and creative work as a guest speaker and expert source for organizations such as the American Anthropological Association (AAA), the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), the National Council of Negro Women, Inc (NCNW), and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Anuli’s work and her life as a whole are a testament to the power of fostering deep connections and understanding among people that transcend the boundaries of culture and place.