This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Arts administrators joke that if you're lucky, you can run into Zions Bank CEO Scott Anderson at an arts event just about any night of the week.
Anderson's passion for the arts is visible year-round, but especially at the Sundance Film Festival. At a glittery Zions Bank luncheon in Park City last month lauding Utah women leaders, he introduced keynote speaker and "Thelma and Louise" actor Geena Davis, offering her birthday greetings and presenting her a family history dating back to 1640.
Anderson has been a generous supporter to her Institute on Gender in Media, the Oscar-winning actor said, and has become a friend over the past several years as she has returned to Utah to promote women's causes.
That kind of professional support, spiked with a personal touch, is what Utah arts leaders say sets apart Anderson, making him a cultural ambassador for his personal and financial support across artistic genres.
Geralyn Dreyfous, founder, Utah Film Center • "If anyone has keys to the city, it's Scott. If anyone takes risks and supports community-based organizations, it's Scott."
Virginia Pearce, Utah Film Commission director • "Scott Anderson's passionate support of the arts has been a key part of creating and sustaining Utah's vibrant creative culture. His love of film, in particular, from Spy Hop to the Sundance Institute, has allowed us all to continue to bring great stories to our community."
Kasandra VerBrugghen, executive director, SpyHop • "He has worked tirelessly to ensure that we have a very rich cultural landscape in our community, because he totally understands that having that rich cultural landscape is critical to our economy. He's known as an arts lover and an arts supporter and an arts ambassador. He stands behind it, and he walks the talk, not just Zions Bank, but Scott Anderson as an individual."
Patricia A. Richards, interim president and CEO of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera • "Scott Anderson's support of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera has been instrumental in helping our organization expand our engagement within the state. When we embarked upon our 2014 tour to Utah's five national parks, he joined us every step of the way before and during the tour, and hosted many events to connect us with community leaders in performance locations. As a cultural ambassador for our state, Scott's influence, passion and participation in the arts is infectious, and we are grateful to count him among our greatest and most enthusiastic supporters."
Gretchen Dietrich, executive director, Utah Museum of Fine Arts • "It's frankly hard to explain what a powerful presence he has had on arts and culture in our city. He's so wise to understand how arts — from visual arts to performing arts to access to arts for schoolchildren and educators — improves our quality of life. With Scott's leadership, Zions Bank has created a fantastic collection of both historic and contemporary art by artists from our region. He's so generous and he believes in and understands what art can do for our city, our state and the region. Scott has been an invaluable partner to the cultural sector of our community — he just gets it!"
Chris Lino, managing director, Pioneer Theatre Company • "I don't know how he keeps track of everything. Scott Anderson has the finger on the pulse of a dozen cultural organizations at one time and is always working to keep the arts healthy in Utah. If you add up everything, Zions Bank is one of the major supporters of Pioneer Theatre Company and all the major arts organizations in town. Money is always important, but it's just as important to have someone who has a sense of the big picture and is always looking out for the big picture of the arts and culture of this state."
Scott Altman, executive director, Ballet West • "Scott is a wonderful steward of the arts community in Utah with his wife, Jesselie. Their leadership and philanthropy continues to benefit the entire cultural landscape of the state, including Ballet West. As part of the support he provided our organization, he served on the Board of Trustees for a number of years. This made his long-term imprint felt and appreciated in so many meaningful and impactful ways."
Who is Scott Anderson?
Meet the most powerful Utahn you've never heard of • http://www.sltrib.com/news/3519389-155/utahs-unelected-governor-the-political-clout