DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts
Thursday, March 26 through Sunday, March 29, 2009
DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts is a biennial program of the Arab American National Museum (AANM). DIWAN unites Arab American artists, scholars and performers representing myriad academic fields and artistic genres for a weekend dialogue that reinforces the AANM's commitment to providing a place for community members and artists to meet, exchange ideas and exhibit their work. DIWAN also encourages audiences to expore the boundaries of art in addressing social issues related to Arab Americans and the community at large.
The AANM convenes its third DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. with a Global Thursdays performance by writer/actor Suheir Hammad, star of director Annemarie Jacir’s film Salt of This Sea, Palestine’s submission for 2009 Academy Award consideration.
DIWAN continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 27-29 at the AANM with panel discussions, a lively open-mic session, meals and fellowship. Among the featured weekend performers are dancing drummer Karim Nagi and performance artist Najla Said, the daughter of noted Arab American scholar Edwar d Said.
Among the topics being examined at the 2009 DIWAN are:
- the use of comedy in combating Arab stereotypes
- how Arab American artists address war as subject matter
- the cross-cultural experiences of today’s “digital youth”
- how Arab ethnicity affects artists and their work
- the challenges and rewards of presenting Arab arts to the public
The 2009 DIWAN is dedicated to the memory of the Palestinian poet, author and activist Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008). Click HERE to read more about Darwish.
Who should attend DIWAN? Anyone with a personal or professional interest in Arab American arts, culture and history, including students, educators at all levels, artists in all disciplines and adventurous arts aficionados. Is it just for Arab Americans? No – all are welcome.
DIWAN Registration
The registration fee for DIWAN is $25 for single-da y attendance and $65 for Friday through Sunday ($55 for Museum Members).A special individual Museum Membership rate of just $15 (regularly $35) is available to DIWAN participants; check the appropriate box on the registration form to become a Member and get the reduced DIWAN registration fee.
Included in the fee are lunch, dinner and live performances Friday and Saturday** and breakfast on Sunday. Parking is free in the municipal lot adjacent to the Museum.
Students of any age with a current school I D may take advantage of a special registration rate of just $15 covering events and meals Friday through Sunday, March 27-29.
For a printable registration form, click HERE (registration form). Advance registration is recommended but not required.
Complete the form and return with payment to:
DIWAN, Arab American National Museum
13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126
**PLEASE NOTE: The Thursday, March 26 Global Thursdays performance by Suheir Hammad is not included in registration fees; tickets are $8 in advance online only at www.arabamericanmuseum.org and $10 at the door.
For further information, call 313.624.0219 or email diwan@accesscommunity.org.
DIWAN Credits
The AANM gratefully acknowledges members of the 2009 DIWAN planning committee:Alise Alousi, InsideOut Literary Arts Project
Holly Arida, Cranbrook Educational Community
Lynn Blasey, College for Creative Studies (me)
Adnan Charara, Artist
Annie Higgins, Wayne State University
Mike Mosallam, Writer/Actor/Director/Producer
Kevin Rashid, Wayne State University
From the AANM: Thomas Abowd, Devon Akmon, Anan Ameri, Suzy Mazloum, Celine Taminian and DIWAN co-chairs Lama Mansour and Jumana Salamey
DIWAN receives generous support from Ford Foundation and Nathan Cummings Foundation.
