The Year of Arab Culture in NYC

This year, NYC continues to learn more about Arab culture thanks to the Arab Art & Education Initiative (AAEI). The program launched by AAEI aims to show all the beauty and diversity of cultural values of the Arab people and introduce them to America.

The UN and world leaders declared a set of 17 key goals in 2015. They aimed to realize a better world by 2030. A year of Arab culture in NYC is one of the ways to meet the goal from 2015. The approved program includes various cultural events designed to integrate the culture of Arabs into five districts of NYC. These events have become a reality thanks to the Arab Art & Education Initiative and various other NYC arts organizations that include associations of artists, cultural figures, foundations, and art institutions.

The program started in October 2018 with the opening of the exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, titled “Syria Then and Now: Stories from Refugees a Century Apart.” This was a public display of art pieces dedicated to the history of all refugees from Syria for the entire time of war and distress in this country.

Another notable event was held at 2 Bridges Music Arts that presented a selection of music, graphic design posters, books, and various artworks created by the Arab artists. The exhibition took place in Chinatown where the guests got acquainted with Arab culture and unique music of Arab people.

Why are such events very important for all of us? The fact is that art has no boundaries and prejudices. It brings people of different nationalities and countries together. Moreover, NYC is a multinational city that has long been home to thousands of people from different parts of the world. These people are ready to share their heritage and culture with others. So, why not take advantage of this?