For interior designer and Phoenix Home & Garden Master of the Southwest Anita Lang, the impacts of art on a community are big and audacious. “It can give voice to the marginalized, challenge our perspectives, foster empathy, unify and celebrate a diverse community and even have therapeutic and healing qualities as one becomes immersed in the creative process themselves,” the IMI Design Studio founder says. Lang has long given back, creating the Inspire Foundation—a nonprofit that connects local organizations in need of design enhancements with talented students at local colleges and universities—and offering her time and skills to arts organizations to make those possibilities a reality. Most recently, Lang has joined the board of Artlink, a nonprofit that supports First Fridays and arts in the community.

We asked Lang what drives her to give back, get the latest on her philanthropic endeavors and ask her advice for people who want to get more engaged in the community.

Q&A With Interior Designer Anita Lang

What drives your desire to give back, and why has this always been integrated into your business approach?

I am grateful for a career rooted in creativity and the arts; it has been far more than a livelihood but a rewarding discipline to create environments that meaningfully impact those I serve.

This blessing instills a sense of responsibility to give back to my community, particularly in supporting the arts whenever possible.

How do you choose where to invest your time, talent and resources?

My focus has been art-related nonprofits due to the profound impact art can have on individuals and society. Culture adds to a community, giving voice to the marginalized, challenging our perspectives, fostering empathy, unifying and celebrating diverse perspectives, and even has therapeutic and healing qualities as one becomes immersed in the creative process. All of this elevates a community and creates a robust interchange of cultures; fosters innovation and creates joy.

You recently joined the board of Artlink. Why did you want to get more engaged with this organization, and how does it impact the Phoenix arts world?

Artlink is a special and important organization because it advocates for artists and integrates creatives into the institutional and business sectors of our community. Through events, promoting First Fridays and creating a robust digital registry to connect with individual artists, Artlink ensures artists are visible, have financial opportunities and are supported in various ways, which makes our communities vibrant and innovative.

You’ve also been connected to one-n-ten and its Fresh Brunch gala. Why is this organization meaningful to you, and how have you supported it via the “Room with Heart”?

Fresh Brunch is the most uplifting event supporting LGBTQ+ community youth, a group I feel deeply connected to for their journey of self-truth, authenticity and courage.

This love-based, non-judgmental community has a positive, warming impact on humanity moving the needle to make the world a more beautiful place of acceptance and oneness.

If we could all demonstrate this attitude, the world would be a better place.

You launched the Inspire Foundation in 2010. What does it focus on, and what has been its impact?

The Inspire Foundation harnesses interior design to uplift the human spirit, especially for those who may not normally be financially able to retain design services.

It combines the network of contractors, vendors and manufacturers with designers, focusing on mentoring aspiring design students to a need in our nonprofit community.

We’ve transformed spaces such as Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, bringing immense joy and creating memorable experiences. Upcoming initiatives continue to focus on supporting children and women in need.

What’s your advice to people looking to get more involved in their community?

The common saying, “follow your passion,” applies here perfectly. Whether your thing is the arts, sports, finance or I have a friend teaching welding to Girl Scout kids—there will be a great way to give back and increase your joy in life. We have a beautiful, generous Arizona community with abundant opportunities through various nonprofit organizations, which makes it easy to contribute.

I have another organization, The Walter Hive, that encourages the creative in all of us.

I promise you in the end you will receive more than you give.

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