The Associated Press 

Silkroad, the acclaimed international musical collective with a social conscience, has a new face — and a fresh sense of purpose.

Silkroad announced Tuesday that Grammy-winning folk singer and instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens is its new artistic director.

Giddens takes the baton from renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who founded the group two decades ago.

The 43-year-old North Carolina native is the first woman and first multiracial artist to lead Silkroad.

The Boston-based organization is known not just for its touring ensemble comprised of world-class musicians from all over the globe, but also for its efforts to use the arts to bridge differences across races, countries and cultures.