Feb. 15, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Brandon Hanson, director of museums and executive director of SculptureWalk with the Washington Pavilion.

Name: Brandon Hanson

Age: 31

Hometown: South Sioux City, Nebraska

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

My first encounter with Sioux Falls was as a middle school student being bused up here for a field trip at the Washington Pavilion. Flash-forward a decade, and I came to Sioux Falls in 2008 to attend the University of Sioux Falls, where I studied art and theater. The theater department recruited me and welcomed me in like family. Initially, Sioux Falls was not on my radar at all, but I quickly fell in love with the city.  

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

After college graduation, I had dreams of hitting it big as an actor. Within a couple of years, I had found myself in both New York City and Los Angeles in pursuit of those dreams. In both cases, I found myself being called back to Sioux Falls. Our city has just as much to offer as the coasts, and the cost of living is hard to beat. The giving, kind nature of the people here is undeniable. People are very proud to live here, which I have not encountered in many places. It is quite special to be part of.

In addition to all of that, my wife is in love with Sioux Falls. There is no way we are ever leaving. Her passion for this city has been quite contagious, and we are happy to call this home.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I feel beyond fortunate to be in the role I am in. Honestly, it seems like a right place, right time situation. The Washington Pavilion is full of highly talented people who make me better every day. Beyond that, it is rewarding to show the people in my circle that a degree in art and theater is not a bad investment, that creativity and problem-solving are highly valuable, and the arts are at the center of a successful business.

Over the last couple of years, my particular role has evolved significantly. I serve multiple organizations daily and feel a tremendous sense of purpose.

On a much simpler level, each day we open our doors I am reminded of the joy the Pavilion brought me as a child. We are greeted by hundreds of beaming faces that are over the moon that they get to spend the day with us. 

 How did you get connected to your industry?

With undergraduate degrees in art and theater, I knew the entertainment industry was where I wanted to be. After moving back to Sioux Falls, I spent time working in food service, retail and even college admissions, all the while keeping my eye on the Washington Pavilion. I applied for every open full-time position at the Pavilion for five years until getting a chance as the assistant to the former director of museums. The position was irrelevant, but the organization was everything. Once I had my foot in the door, I found myself surrounded by all the things that make life worth living. 

Describe your workplace in three words.

 Arts and culture hub.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

Although fairly introverted, I cannot say “no” to a new adventure. I have been skydiving, know basic ASL, was an extra in quite a few popular TV shows, rented an apartment through Craigslist, went kayaking on the ocean, been in nearly 40 theatrical productions, have an MBA and have a few curling trophies at home. Every personality quiz I have taken shows that I am risk and change averse, but I like to prove them wrong as often as possible.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Packing meals with Feeding South Dakota is so much fun. They are an incredible organization getting after a growing issue. They deserve so much more of my time and effort, and I would gladly join anyone who was headed that way.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Lime. There are larger cities in our region that embraced the rentable scooters or bikes in their downtown, and it would be a nice addition to our city. Continuing to make downtown more accessible and lively is always a good move.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Five years down the road is a tough one for me to pinpoint. I hope to know more, to give more and experience more. Professionally, I sincerely hope to be making a positive impact on the people around me, find a mentor, become certified in project management and learn more about experience design. Personally, I hope to be a parent, to perform again, to be fluent in another language and to continually prioritize people.