Taco Talk: Creative leader Kelsey Howard
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Kelsey Howard, executive director of CACHE. Photos: Worth Sparkman/Axios
Kelsey Howard's favorite taqueria is on Main Street in Siloam Springs. She and her family eat there most Tuesdays, she told me.
- She wanted to show off Antojitos Arcoiris to Taco Talk, so that's where we met.
Driving the news: Howard was recently appointed as the executive director of CACHE (Creative Arkansas Community Hub and Exchange) after serving as the managing director since May 2024.
State of play: Founded in 2019, CACHE works to help build NWA's creative scene and make it more inclusive. The group convenes creatives of all stripes, does research and offers resources aimed at helping artists finance their passions whether it be through writing grants or finding exhibit space.
- The organization looks to help creatives spend more time on their craft and less on administrative tasks, Howard said.
CACHE operates The Medium, a 25,000-square-foot flexible venue in downtown Springdale.
What's next: When asked about plans for the near future, Howard peppered the conversation with corporate catchphrases like organizational assessment, strategic planning and budget efficiency.
- They're things she called "unsexy" but necessary for CACHE to plan a sustainable path for the next few years.
- She hinted at professional development-type programs coming later this year that may help some artists by looking at their craft as entrepreneurs.
Howard also likes working with cities on plans to make art more accessible in the communities.
What she's saying: "City governments hold a lot of power and potential to not just acknowledge that the arts increase quality of life, but to really act and enforce cultural policy that can make their city hospitable to the arts," she said.
- "A place where creatives can live and thrive — keep it cool."
The bottom line: The tacos were great, but pupusas at Antojitos were worth the trip west from the Interstate 49 corridor. And the sauce, with its heat and vinegar snap, was some of the best I've had.
👨🎨Taco Talk is a regular feature. We sample a taqueria with the movers, shakers, artists and bakers of NWA, and rap about news in their world.
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