Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas (BAM)

So... I'm a bit fuzzy on the details, but this is pretty friggin cool.

In celebration of the extraordinary range of artistic expression in the Muslim world, BAM, Asia Society, and New York University’s Center for Dialogues proudly present Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas. Muslim artists and speakers spanning the globe from as far away as Asia, Africa, the Middle East and as near as Brooklyn will gather for an unprecedented ten-day festival and conference. Through performances, films, exhibitions, talks, and other events—ranging from the traditional (calligraphy, storytelling, and Sufi chanting) to the contemporary (video installations and Arabic hip-hop)—the festival offers New York audiences the opportunity to experience and learn about the cultural diversity and multiple perspectives that represent the Muslim world.

For more info about the event(s) and to purchase tickets, click here.

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BAM is "America's oldest continuously operating performing arts center" with a mission "to be the preeminent progressive performing and cinema arts center of the twenty-first century, engaging both global and local communities."

From their "About BAM" section:

With its first performance in 1861, BAM is a long-standing cultural anchor of New York, particularly Brooklyn. Uniquely situated in the tight-knit neighborhood of Fort Greene, in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, BAM—believing a rising tide lifts all boats—understands that institution building goes hand in hand with community development.

This special obligation to community is realized through BAM’s commitment to serving neighborhood constituencies; rooting itself deeply in the community; reflecting the neighborhood’s unique identity and character; and nurturing a borough teeming with local artistic talent. A central core value is our dedication to neighborhood revitalization, diversity, education, and outreach.

Cultural partnerships with the community development corporation Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation; art and business initiatives with neighborhood economic development organization Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Program; and educational projects with local public housing developments and charter and public schools, underscore our commitment to community development within the sphere of the arts.

http://www.bam.org/