Arts Midwest's Caravanserai Celebrates Malaysian Artists

MINNEAPOLIS, March 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Following significant critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm for its Pakistan, Morocco, and Turkey seasons, Caravanserai: A place where cultures meet returns for a fourth installment featuring artists from Malaysia.

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's Building Bridges Program. 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 three 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, Moroccan, and Turkish artists, Caravanserai's 2014–2015 season highlights Malaysian culture, music, and film, assembled by Arts Midwest with guidance from an array of international cultural advisors.

In fall 2014, the high-energy global fusion band Diplomats of Drum will weave Malaysia's diverse soundscape into a vibrant musical tapestry.

In winter 2015, Caravanserai presents 15Malaysia, an innovative project featuring short films by 15 Malaysian filmmakers and produced by noted Malaysia-based musician, actor, and filmmaker Pete Teo.

In early spring 2015, Caravanserai will deliver the rare opportunity to experience the mystical wonder of Malaysia's ancient shadow puppetry tradition with Wayang Kulit: The Shadow Play of Kelantan.

David Fraher, president & CEO of Arts Midwest, notes, "Malaysia is a dazzling symphony of races, religions, and customs where multiple ethnic groups celebrate multiculturalism in harmony. We are thrilled to offer Caravanserai audiences the unique opportunity to explore this diverse cultural landscape   through live arts engagement experiences with dynamic Malaysian artists." 

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

• Rialto Center for the Arts  (Port (Atlanta, GA)
• University of Florida Performing Arts  (Gainesville, FL)
• Society for the Performing Arts  Houston  (Houston, TX)
• Piney Woods Fine Arts Association  (Crockett, TX)

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 programming is coordinated on behalf of the program by South Arts.

SOURCE Arts Midwest