Avery-Jai Andrews (she/her) wears many hats but firstly, she is an artist. Her passion for the arts began in the dance studio and has evolved. After graduating from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, she freelanced in Israel, Germany, Italy and NYC before returning to her hometown with a mission: to create an “artists’ kibbutz,” a community that empowers, supports, and funds individuals to build their livelihoods as arts workers.

Avery-Jai’s journey into non-profit arts started in 2017 in response to her own experience of isolation as a working artist in Dallas. She founded a 501(c)(3) grassroots organization for local dancers, now known as Agora Artists, to cultivate community and connections while providing more dance opportunities to local artists and patrons. This work led her to Arts Mission Oak Cliff (AMOC), where she is currently the Executive Director. The AMOC community invested in Avery-Jai’s personal growth as a leader and provided a space for Agora Artists  to incubate. Her journey with the org is not unique but demonstrates AMOC’s significance to Dallas’ artists and the vital role it plays  in the local arts landscape. Avery-Jai is eager to lead the org in fulfilling its mission to hold space for a diverse community to cultivate, celebrate and sustain their creativity. .  

Additionally, as a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (BTWHSPVA), Avery-Jai consulted for the Advisory Board in their initiative to build the official alumni association.   

Avery-Jai is a fierce advocate for artists and is dedicated to developing a culture of working artists while championing the value of their contributions.