Afsaneh Art & Culture Society

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-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 cultural projects of associated Central Asian arts groups and individual artists. 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.