Jane Chu
(National Endowment for the Arts)
More than 300 artists, administrators and cultural activists will
gather at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel this weekend for the Sphinx
Organization's third-annual conference on diversity in the arts, which
kicks off Friday.
SphinxCon, as the three-day event open to the
public is called, will feature 35 speakers on 13 issues ranging from
creative placemaking to the difference arts participation makes in the
academic performance of disadvantaged kids.
"We're trying to learn
from other art forms like dance and theater what they've done to
increase diversity," says Afa Sadykhly Dworkin, Sphinx executive and
artistic director and wife of founder Aaron Dworkin. Both are also
violinists. "Hopefully we can take away concrete ideas to put in
practice and make a difference."
This year, in contrast to
previous SphinxCons, a panel discussion with arts experts will follow
each 10-minute presentation, with opportunities for audience input, as
well.
The keynote speaker will be National Endowment for the Arts Chairwoman Jane Chu, who will deliver closing remarks Sunday.
Detroit's
Sphinx Organization works to get minority youth in underserved
communities playing classical stringed instruments. Programs include a
summer chamber-music intensive and an in-school program that provides
free violins and lessons to elementary-age kids in the Detroit Public
Schools.
The nonprofit, founded in 1997, is most famous for its
Sphinx Competition, which takes place Sunday afternoon at Orchestra
Hall. Young musicians of remarkable talent from across the country
compete for cash prizes and much-sought-after performance opportunities.
Comment by email:
Thanks so much, Bill (and Michael:) afa [Afa Dworkin]
Comment by email:
Thanks so much, Bill (and Michael:) afa [Afa Dworkin]
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