Afsaneh Art & Culture Society (AACS) serves the Central Asian, Iranian- and Afghan-American communities and people who appreciate art from all cultures. AACS programs provide eloquent testimony to the unique Central Asian expressive arts and promote appreciation for the diverse expressions of our mutual humanity.
Originally founded in 1986 as a performing arts ensemble Ballet Afsaneh by Director Sharlyn Sawyer, the organization incorporated in 1991 as a non-profit. Over its twenty six year history the organization’s mission has evolved and broadened in scope. Now in addition to the professional performance ensemble, AACS provides community education programs, publications in various media, international exchange projects, collaborations, and fiscal sponsorship for the projects of associated Central Asian arts groups. Through this work Afsaneh Art & Culture Society seeks to promote positive visibility for the Central Asian community, preserve cultural assets for future generations, and to enrich the creative legacy of the expressive arts on the world stage.
We are proud to be a recipient of the 2018-2019 California Arts Council (CAC) Cultural Pathways award! This CAC program is rooted in “the belief that a healthy arts ecosystem reflects contributions from all of California’s diverse populations.” With this 2-year support, AACS aims to strengthen its existing capacity, maintain artistic excellence, deepen engagement of our communities, and provide leadership development for its artists and staff.
The Sam Mazza Foundation has been supporting AACS for a number of years (2012, 2015) and has recognized our continued commitment to provide outreach opportunities for dance artists and a rich diaspora in the Bay Area, CA. In 2018, we were awarded funding to support our DANCE 2020! strategic plan – growing and sustaining our vital Bay Area world arts and culture ecology in challenging times. Specifically, this means working on creative collaborative projects with new partners such as Oakland International High School, Shared Studios, and ARTogether.
The Oakland/Berkeley Association of Realtors (OBAR) Community Foundation supports individuals and organizations who support youth arts education, housing and homeless solutions, and senior services. This year OBAR supports our after school youth dance and music program at Oakland International High School starting in January 2019. Follow us on social media or join our mailing list to find out more about this and other outreach projects!