Plugged Into Possibility: Xavier Jackson’s Vision for Community Through Art

Xavier Jackson,

Some people see a blank wall. Xavier Jackson sees a possibility.

As founder and CEO of Local Art Plug, Jackson has turned underused spaces into vibrant canvases, bringing artists, entrepreneurs and community members together – one mural, pop-up and gallery at a time. His work is equal parts curator and connector: an ongoing pursuit of visibility for local creators in an environment where access often hinges on who you know, rather than what you can do.

Born in Omaha and raised with a deep respect for both street culture and fine art, Jackson built Local Art Plug from the ground up. What began as a pop-up concept in 2017 has grown into a full-fledged platform for emerging talent. His approach fuses the immediacy of street art with the intention of economic development, offering creators exposure and opportunity.

“When artists thrive, neighborhoods come alive,” Jackson says. The energy, the economy, the pride – it all grows from what we choose to value and elevate.”

From live installations to immersive experiences, Local Art Plug is a testament to what happens when creativity meets hustle, and art becomes an ecosystem. That mindset has made him a leader not only in the arts community, but in the broader push for equity through expression.

This profile is part of The Next 100 Leaders, a series celebrating people shaping the future of their communities – boldly, locally and on their own terms.