Because the Dallas Arts District continues increasing its position as one of many area’s most vital cultural, financial and civic property, the nonprofit group that shares its identify proclaims the appointment of Ahava Silkey-Jones as its new Government Director. Silkey-Jones brings greater than 15 years of management expertise spanning larger training, nonprofit administration, arts administration and civic engagement to the position.
“The Dallas Arts District is certainly one of America’s nice cultural neighborhoods—a spot the place creativity evokes group, strengthens the economic system and enriches on a regular basis life,” mentioned Silkey-Jones. “I’m honored to affix this extraordinary group at such an thrilling second. We’ve got an unimaginable alternative to raise the District’s nationwide and world profile whereas creating an much more welcoming, linked and vibrant place for everybody who lives, works and visits right here.”
Dwelling to 19 cultural organizations throughout 118 acres within the coronary heart of Downtown Dallas, the Dallas Arts District is the most important city arts district in the US. Greater than world-class museums, efficiency venues and parks, it’s a collaborative neighborhood the place arts, commerce, training, recreation, residential, church buildings and group intersect to create one of many nation’s most vibrant city locations. It’s a profitable downtown asset that helps retain companies and entice company relocations and expertise to Dallas.
“This group’s position in shaping downtown’s high quality of life, financial vitality and world identification has by no means been extra vital,” mentioned Warren Tranquada, Chair of the Dallas Arts District Board of Administrators and President & CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Middle.
“Ahava understands that success is constructed by collaboration and shared objective. She’s spent her profession bringing individuals collectively throughout sectors to create lasting group influence and can proceed that as she builds on the outstanding momentum of the Dallas Arts District.”
The appointment comes at a pivotal second for the group and for downtown. Over the previous yr, the Dallas Arts District group has adopted a brand new strategic imaginative and prescient centered on advocacy, placemaking, security, infrastructure, programming and sustainable progress; expanded partnerships throughout the district; superior initiatives to create a extra vibrant public realm. In the course of the 9 FIFA World Cup matches in North Texas, the Arts District welcomed worldwide consideration by internet hosting RedBall Dallas, one of many metropolis’s most profitable public artwork initiatives in recent times. Stakeholders additionally hosted 4 main festivals to showcase the neighborhood’s venues, public areas and iconic structure for a whole bunch of 1000’s of native and worldwide guests. Collectively, these efforts have positioned the group for its subsequent part of progress and influence.
Silkey-Jones involves this new position from Dallas Faculty the place she has served as Vice Provost of the Faculty of Inventive Arts, Leisure and Design the place she led tutorial technique, programming and business partnerships throughout seven campuses for the humanities. All through her profession, she has earned a fame for constructing significant partnerships that join arts and tradition with training, workforce growth, and group funding.
The appointment follows the retirement of longtime Government Director Lily Weiss. In the course of the management transition, former Board Chair Jill Magnuson stepped into the position of Interim Government Director, offering continuity whereas serving to information the group by future planning and positioning it for its subsequent chapter. She is going to now return to volunteer service with the group.
“Jill’s management throughout this transition was invaluable,” Tranquada mentioned. “She offered stability whereas additionally serving to set up a transparent imaginative and prescient for the long run. Her work has left the group stronger, and we’re grateful she is going to proceed supporting the Dallas Arts District as a volunteer chief.”
Already acknowledged as one of many area’s rising civic and humanities leaders, Silkey-Jones obtained the 2025 Obelisk Award from the Enterprise Council for the Arts and was named a 2025 High Lady Chief by Girls We Admire. She holds levels from Harvard College, Roosevelt College and DePaul College and serves on quite a few native and nationwide boards devoted to advancing arts, training and group engagement.
For the most recent Dallas Arts District information and updates, go to https://www.dallasartsdistrict.org/.
