Indigo K. Sams understands the power of art can have in a community. After growing up in a family of artists and musicians, she started her professional life at COCA, working in various roles before rising to become the director of community services. She left the arts organization to continue serving the community through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, but this year, she made her return. Sams took the helm as COCA’s CEO and president, ready to ensure the nonprofit remains a leader in artistic education and impact locally, nationally and globally.
hometown pride …
I was born in St. Louis. I spent my childhood in California, but we moved back, and I finished school at Sumner High School. After that, I stayed here to attend Harris-Stowe University. Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with St. Louis. It’s a nurturing town with a vibrant, accessible artistic community. There’s care of art here.
an artistic pedigree …
I come from a long line of visual artists and musicians. I grew up playing the clarinet. My dad was a jazz musician and teacher, and my grandmother was an opera and gospel singer. Now, my son is a trumpet player and pianist. Art always has been part of my life in some way.
a happy reunion …
Coming back to COCA is like coming home. The staff has been so welcoming and forthcoming in all things. I’m so impressed with the thoughtfulness and care with which each individual approaches their work, no matter their position. My time here has already been more than I hoped this transition would be.
art for all …
For more than 30 years, COCA has been actively committed to ensuring that its community has full access to the arts no matter anyone’s ability to pay. In my previous position, I worked to build collaboration between COCA and schools so young people had access to the power of the arts. That’s the beauty of art. It doesn’t care what your background is, how old you are or even what your ability level is. COCA has created a safe space for the beginners, the explorers and the hopeful to find their place. It’s my plan to continue to ensure that stays at the forefront of our work.
the stl spirit …
I’ve always wanted to help people, and working in the nonprofit sector has given me space to do so. St. Louis has a very strong connection to philanthropy—it’s another reason why I love this city. The community will rally around the needs of the region, especially when it comes to the arts. Working with both COCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, I saw how people will support those facing economic hardship so they can access resources, education and experiences.
looking to the future …
I’m still developing what my role as president and CEO will look like. COCA has so many great opportunities with its new building. Due to the pandemic, there has been limited use of these improved spaces. Now, it’s time to truly utilize our resources, maximize existing community partnerships and build new collaborative opportunities with like-minded organizations in St. Louis and across the country. I think we can pursue new options to build on the accessibility we already offer, so that every person in this community can learn to dance, sing, draw, act or design. It’s my hope that the community will support us so we can expand those opportunities to even more people in the St. Louis region. I want COCA to be the place everyone wants to work. I want to be a true community partner. I want it to be a hub of power in the arts. We know that the arts are powerful as an instrument for social justice. I’m looking forward to continuing the conversation about how the arts can bridge gaps and bring people together.
Photo: Lance Omar Thurman
