Irit Frank Elected Chair of Israel Artists Association

Irit Frank has been elected chairperson of the Israel Artists Association (AMY), which represents stage and screen artists across Israel. She succeeds outgoing chair Yona Elian-Keshet. Alongside Frank, a new leadership team was appointed, including deputies Ron Gang and Maayan Segal, and board members Moti Dikhna, Uri Banai, Naomi Katz, Uri Drorzi, Bat Chen Hovardi-Kashi, Ilan Shas, Roni Kidar, and Yehali Handros-Degmi.

Frank, 67, managed the Simta Theater in Jaffa for over 20 years until February 2024. She has a background as a director and actress, graduating from Telma Yelin High School’s theater program and later studying acting at Beit Zvi, completing her studies in 1982. That same year, she appeared in Judd Neeman’s film "Money Tray" and the American TV drama "Memory of Love" on NBC, starring Kirk Douglas, earning an Emmy nomination. In 1983, she starred in "Bagrut Exam" as Orna, a high school student involved in a romantic relationship and pregnancy. She acted in several films throughout the 1980s, including "Testimony of Rape" (1984) and Nadav Levitan’s "Girls" (1985), as well as the American drama "Not Yet Paradise" (1985).

Frank stated, "After years of directing and theater management, experiencing the field closely, I am proud and approach this role with a deep sense of mission. My goal is to strengthen AMY as a shared home for all artists and to engage the younger generation in leading roles." AMY CEO Yossi Zinger also praised the new leadership, expressing confidence they will achieve significant accomplishments and position the association at the heart of Israel’s cultural scene.