About

History

Since 1998, Alwan has played a leading role in promoting the diverse cultures of the Middle East in New York and the tri-state metropolitan area. Alwan’s inaugural activities entailed screening evocative films in academic settings. These screenings evolved into a film festival that soon became the largest event of its kind outside of the Middle East. Since its founding, Alwan has continually expanded its programming, which now includes concerts, dance performances, academic book talks, poetry readings, panel discussions, theatrical performances, visual arts exhibits, as well as educational offerings in language, dance, and music. Alwan has grown into a cultural and aesthetic hub, curating up to 100 events each year.

Mission & Vision

Alwan serves its community and educates the broader public by showcasing a range of Middle Eastern cultural events, enriching the cross-cultural and artistic encounter.

CREATE Alwan is a creative space, presenting traditional culture with a contemporary flair, and commissioning new works that investigate cultural identity. We provide artists, filmmakers, writers, organizers, and activists a forum for their creative projects, and actively promote cross-cultural collaboration.

INVESTIGATE Alwan casts a critical eye on current events and trends in arts and culture related to the Middle East and the Middle Eastern diaspora.

ENGAGE Alwan engages the New York arts scene by challenging its assumptions about the Middle East. We aim to build a community around the arts that encourages participation and discussion from all its members.

Supporters

Alwan is grateful for support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), the New York State Council for the Arts (NYSCA), the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC) , the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), the Violet Jabara Charitable Trust, the Caliban Foundation, and Royal Air Maroc as well as past support from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC). Alwan for the Arts is also grateful to Union Square Awards for its support in 2007 and 2008.

Advisory Board Members
Elissar Boujaoude
Tarek Farouki
Karim Hussein
Abdeen Jabara
Hussein Khalifa
George Jalinos
Marc Malek
Doris Mukabaa Marksohn
Yehia Massoud
Fadwa Robb
Suzy Wahba

Executive Board Members
Anny Bakalian
Amer Bisat
Mona Eraiba
Mirene Ghossein
Zineb Guessous
Ahmed Issawi
Sabi Kanaan
Sherif Lotfi
Joseph Massad
Prerana Reddy

Curators

Music Program
Amir ElSaffar

Dance Program
Nicole Macotsis

Literary Program
Ahmed Issawi
Joseph Massad

Film Program
Prerana Reddy
Ahmed Issawi
Melissa Forstrom

Language Coordinator
Iman Meiki

Sound Engineer
Don Jacobs
In Concert Audio

Volunteers/Interns
Lana Ayyad
Michelle Bachir
Susan Goedeken
Mina Ibrahim
Bo Won Keum
George Melissinos
Katherine Vizcaino
Jack Yehya

Address:

16 Beaver Street, 4th Floor (between Broad Street & Broadway)
New York, NY 10004

Tel.: (646) 732-3261
Fax: (212) 967-4326

Email: info@alwanforthearts.org

Directions

Alwan for the Arts is accessible to people with disabilities. Please call 646 732 3261 in advance, or buzz at the door to arrange a ramp.

SUBWAY: 4/5 to Bowling Green; J/Z to Broad St.; R to Whitehall St.; 1 to Rector St. or South Ferry; 2/3 to Wall St.; A/C to Fulton

BUSES: M1, M6, M9, M16, M20.

BIKE: Hudson Rvr. Greenway, East Rvr. path, Liberty St., Broadway, Water St.

Google Maps: View Larger Map

Hosting donated by:
Marefa.org, the Arabic Encyclopedia

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