Afa Sadykhly Dworkin (Kevin Kennedy)
The Board of Directors of the Sphinx Organization has announced the appointment of Afa Sadykhly Dworkin
as Executive and Artistic Director of the organization. For the past 15
years, Dworkin has served as Artistic Director and VP of Programming
for the Organization, having also held the position of Director of
Development during her tenure. In messaging to staff and constituents,
Board Chair, Deidre Lambert Bounds said, “The Board is genuinely
excited to welcome Afa to this new role. Afa represents the pinnacle of
the key criteria critical to success in this position, chiefly, her
solid knowledge of the arts industry, her unmatched knowledge and
understanding of Sphinx’s mission and her capacity to inspire those
around her are all qualities which contributed to the Board’s decision.”
Dworkin will now oversee all programming and development
efforts of this $3.5 million dollar organization with combined staff and
faculty of more than 40. Dworkin is a professional violinist with early
training from the Moscow Conservatory, as well as continued studies
through the State Conservatory in Baku, Azerbaijan and Bachelor’s and
Master’s degrees with distinction from the University of Michigan School
of Music, Theater and Dance. With a background
in teaching at all levels, she is a dedicated youth advocate and a
frequent panelist and speaker on the topics of diversity, access and
inclusion. Dworkin herself embodies a diverse mosaic of cultures, which
have been reflected in her artistic convictions. A champion for new
music as well as research and performance of works by past composers of
color, Dworkin has already served as the organization’s artistic
figurehead.
Previously serving as a key development officer for
Sphinx, she also possesses extensive knowledge in partnership
development and management. Sphinx has enjoyed a national reputation for
programmatic excellence under Dworkin’s artistic leadership, which she
plans to retain in this new role. "I am both honored and thrilled to
take on this leadership role at a time when we embrace the role of
access and inclusion across all of the arts while at the same time,
continuing with our robust programming ranging from putting the
instruments in the hands of young people for the first time to providing
unprecedented opportunities for professional empowerment of our
artists!" Dworkin stated.
All organizational finance, administration and governance will still report directly to Founder and President, Dr. Aaron P. Dworkin, who will now assume additional external duties as Sphinx evolves to meet the needs of its mission and long-term vision.
Sphinx is the national organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Through its programming, Sphinx reaches approximately 20,000 young people and 2 million in live and broadcast audiences.
Its flagship programs include the annual national Sphinx Competition, the Sphinx Virtuosi Tour highlighting performances at Carnegie Hall, the national convening for diversity in the arts, SphinxCon and yearlong grassroots efforts in music education. Learn more at www.SphinxMusic.org
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