Arts Midwest Launches Third Season of Caravanserai Featuring Turkey

MINNEAPOLIS, April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Following significant critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm for its Pakistan and Morocco seasons, Caravanserai: A place where cultures meet returns for a third installment featuring artists from Turkey.

Caravanserai is an innovative cultural exchange program produced by Arts Midwest on behalf of its fellow U.S. Regional Arts Organizations.

The program was launched in 2011 with a $1 million grant from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. In 2012, the Foundation renewed their support, with a $1 million investment that will sustain programming through 2015.

Ed Henry, president of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, commented on the success of Caravanserai's first two seasons, "Arts Midwest is making great progress toward their goal of enhancing mutual understanding between the United States and Muslim societies through Caravanserai. We are impressed with the program's impact in communities across the country, and we are looking forward to another season of diverse arts and cultural experiences."  

Building on its success with Pakistani and Moroccan artists, Caravanserai's 2013–2014 season highlights Turkish culture, music, and film, assembled by Arts Midwest with guidance from an array of international cultural advisors.

In fall 2013, world music legend Omar Faruk Tekbilek with his son Murat Tekbilek on percussion and renowned kanun player Bahadir Sener will share traditional Sufi, Anatolian, and Middle Eastern music with a contemporary flair.

In early 2014, award-winning Turkish filmmaker Pelin Esmer will host film screenings and audience discussions around her celebrated feature Watchtower.

In spring 2014, clarinet virtuoso Serkan Cagri backed by a seven-piece ensemble will take audiences on a caravan ride through the Balkan and Mediterranean music of Turkey's rich cultural heritage.

David Fraher, president & CEO of Arts Midwest, notes, "Turkey has long been a cultural crossroad, with vibrant ancient traditions alongside a dynamic contemporary culture. We are excited to gather with these exceptional artists to explore another diverse Muslim society."

These artists will conduct performances, film screenings, educational workshops, and discussions in four communities:

• Centrum (Port Townsend, Washington)
• Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center (Post Falls, ID)
• Out North Contemporary Art House (Anchorage, AK)
• Lied Center of Kansas , University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)

Caravanserai: A place where cultures meet is produced by Arts Midwest on behalf of the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations with leadership support from the Building Bridges Program of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Caravanserai's film and media programming is coordinated on behalf of the program by South Arts.

SOURCE Arts Midwest