Cyrice Griffith - Project alchemist and luxury chess set designer.
- Isobel Arden
- Apr 25, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 4
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Meet Cyrice Griffith.
In a recent follow-up interview with Arts and Culture Network founder Mark Walmsley, Cyrice Griffith shared insights into her role as a “Project Alchemist,” a term that reflects her unique ability to lead complex, transformative organisational initiatives within the arts, culture, education, and entertainment sectors.
Mark and Cyrice explored how traditional terms like “project manager” don’t fully capture her impact. Instead, they agreed on “major organisational initiatives” as a more accurate description of her work — initiatives that require strategic vision, cross-sector partnerships, and long-term sustainability.
Cyrice Griffith brings over two decades of senior leadership experience, having managed budgets of up to $3 million annually. Her portfolio includes launching the Institute for Diversity at the University of Southern California, developing community access programmes at the Music Center of Los Angeles County, and creating K–12 curricula for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation. She also spearheaded the formation of an educational non-profit for the American Institute of Architects.
Cyrice highlighted the importance of building strong alliances, maintaining clear communication, and preventing “scope creep” — a common challenge in long-term projects. She draws on a background in psychology and social psychology to keep stakeholders aligned and focused on shared goals.
The discussion also touched on developing a new framework for sustainable impact, using the acronym G.I.A.N.T. to represent Goals, Ideas, Allies, and the necessary steps toward transformation.
As a full member of the Arts and Culture Network, Cyrice Griffith continues to offer her expertise to institutions ready to launch impactful, long-lasting programmes. Organisations seeking a strategic leader to guide their next major initiative would do well to connect with Cyrice Griffith — a trusted expert in transformative change.
Watch it here:
And here is our main interview:
Cyrice Griffith is the artist, creator and founder of Griffith Chess Designs, reinventing chess and checker game pieces to be luxury, pieces of art. Cyrice’s career is also marked by transformative initiatives and a profound dedication to bridging creative industries and education.
I love learning about niche artists like Cyrice who create such original products. I enjoyed Cyrice’s fantasy cultural year which uncovered many surprises like the two individuals she chose to meet for her hero lunch.
With extensive senior leadership and consulting experience across various domains, including urban planning, cultural enrichment, entertainment, and K-12 education non-profits, Cyrice has left an indelible mark on each endeavour she has undertaken.
At the University of Southern California, she orchestrated a symphony of innovation, entrusted with envisioning, launching, managing, and scaling numerous high-impact strategic initiatives. These initiatives not only expanded audience reach but also fostered a culture of creativity and collaboration, propelling the institution to new heights of success.
As a passionate advocate for workplace diversity, Cyrice served as a liaison between entry-level positions and senior management, championing inclusivity at every level. Her role as a Mayoral Appointee and National Fellow underscore her influence and expertise in driving meaningful change on a national scale, while her tenure as a Leadership California Alumna speaks volumes about her leadership acumen.
Prior to her current ventures, Cyrice held prominent positions such as Deputy Director of the American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles, and Senior Director at the Urban Land Institute. Her efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion across these organisations reflects her unwavering commitment to social progress and systemic change.
In addition, Cyrice is a visionary artist, renowned for her award-winning luxury chess sets under the banner of Griffith Chess Designs. Each meticulously crafted set is an example of her passion for art, architecture, and design, blending traditional gameplay with modern assemblage artistry. With a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, her creations serve as both functional masterpieces and timeless works of art, captivating collectors worldwide.
But beyond their aesthetic appeal, Griffith Chess Designs sets are imbued with a deeper purpose – to promote human connection through artful design. Each intricately crafted piece invites players to engage not only with the game but also with the story behind the set, forming a sense of connection and camaraderie.
Each piece in the Griffith Chess Designs collection demonstrates Cyrice's boundless imagination and meticulous attention to detail. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of influences, from vintage treasures to contemporary marvels, she masterfully reimagines the timeless game of chess in fresh, unexpected ways. Every chess set crafted by Cyrice is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, ensuring that no two are ever alike.
Whether displayed as a showpiece in a luxury home, executive office, or members club, a Griffith Chess Designs set is more than just a game – it's a work of art, a conversation starter, and an unparalleled opportunity to own a truly original and exclusive piece of functional art.
Inquiries about Cyrice's visionary creations or her strategic leadership and purchases of the chess or checker sets are welcomed, as she continues to inspire and innovate across the intersecting realms of art, education, and strategic leadership.
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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