Arts Midwest Launches Second Season of Caravanserai Featuring Morocco

Following significant critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm for its debut tours, returns for a second season featuring artists from Morocco .

Caravanserai is a groundbreaking cultural exchange program presented by Arts Midwest on behalf of its fellow U.S. Regional Arts Organizations.

Launched in 2011 with a $1 million grant from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Arts Midwest received an additional $200,000 from the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation (RSCF) to enhance the residencies and add a visual arts component.

Margaret C. Ayers , RSCF president, says, "This program is a natural fit for our foundation and its mission to support and foster the role of the arts in international cultural engagement. We believe that Caravanserai is a powerful and essential program in these challenging political times, and we are thrilled to invest in its expansion and success."

Building on its success with Pakistani artists, Caravanserai's 2012-2013 season highlights Moroccan culture through music, film, and photography. The season includes a roster of outstanding cultural leaders, curated by artistic director Zeyba Rahman.

In fall 2012, the Majid Bekkas Gnawa Ensemble featuring Brahim Fribgane will share soulful Gnawa music and dance, an ancient Moroccan tradition and ancestor of American blues.

In early 2013, filmmaker Hakim Belabbes will explore Morocco's domestic spaces, religious rituals, and relationships between Moroccans and relatives living abroad.

In spring 2013, guest vocalist Francoise Atlan will join the renowned Orchestra of Fes to celebrate traditional Andalusian, Arab, and Sephardic melodies.

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

Ed Henry , president of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, commented on the first season, "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."  

David Fraher , executive director of Arts Midwest, notes, " Morocco has rich traditions that differ from Pakistan in influences and expressions. We are thrilled to share this extraordinary culture and look forward to exploring more countries through Caravanserai in future years."

is managed by Arts Midwest on behalf of the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations with financial support from the Building Bridges Program of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Additional support is provided by Robert Sterling Clark Foundation. Caravanserai's film and media programming is coordinated on behalf of the program by South Arts.