Sphinx Board of Directors appoints Afa Sadykhly Dworkin as Executive and Artistic Director!

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