Resident Poetjournalist

Aaron P. Dworkin is a poetjournalist, social entrepreneur, author, filmmaker, and Professor of Arts Leadership and Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts, and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron is a best-selling writer and author. Lessons in Gratitude: A Memoir on Race, the Arts, and Mental Health was published in August; he has also published two poetry collections, a children’s book, science-fiction novel, and The Entrepreneurial Artist: Lessons from Highly Successful Creatives.

Aaron founded the Institute for Poetjournalism and originated the term “poetjournalism,” which is defined as “the research, creation, and distribution of writing that evokes an emotional connection to news related subjects or other relevant ideas utilizing elements of sound, meter, rhythm and/or creative illustration.” He has performed his poetry as a spoken-word artist at organizations ranging from Carnegie Hall to Detroit’s Wright Museum of African-American History and Orchestra Hall. He serves as Poetjournalist-in-Residence of the City of Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial, the Rodham Institute, Fisher Foundation, Wright Museum, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Grantmakers in the Arts, Ovation TV, and Shar Music.

Aaron’s Emmy award-winning film An American Prophecy was honored by numerous festivals, while his digital art project, Fractured History, has exhibited to rave reviews. Aaron is also a leading social entrepreneur. He founded the globally-recognized Sphinx Organization, whose mission is transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. He serves as host of the nationally-broadcast video series Arts Engines, with a weekly viewership of over 100,000. He is a sought-after global thought leader and passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, excellence in arts education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, as well as inclusion in the performing arts. Patreon.com/Poetjournalist