We are writing to invite you to Alwan's first benefit and art auction on Thursday, June 3, 2004, at 7 p.m.

We need your urgent support for completing renovations to our newly acquired home in downtown Manhattan. In order to move forward with an even more ambitious programs of cultural and artistic events, we need to rehabilitate our space by upgrading the electrical system and soundproofing the ceiling.

Alwan is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the arts and cultures of the Middle East in New York. It has sponsored and provided venue to film festivals, lecture series, language classes, concerts, plays, and art exhibits. Our events are attended by hundreds from the Middle Eastern American community and the wider public. New York and international publications, such as the New York Times, Newsday, Village Voice, City Limits, Time Out, New York Magazine, and Downtown Express, as well as the Daily Star (Beirut) and Al-Ahram (Cairo) have applauded our efforts.

We are confident that our permanent address will help us serve our mission more effectively. Alwan's ultimate goal is to enrich the public's understanding of the Middle East through the promotion of the region's arts and culture and to facilitate cultural cooperation between the United States and the peoples of the region. The achievement of this goal has never been more critical than it is today.

At this benefit, we will be holding a public auction of artworks by the many talented artists who contribute to the cultural community in New York that Alwan celebrates. Among the contributors are Ghada Amer, Samira Abbassy, Ayreen Anastas, Kamrooz Aram, Andrew Courtney, Linda Cummings, Samia Halaby, Emily Jacir, Laleh Khorramian, Nishan Kazazian, Mohammed Omar Khalil, Farsad Labbauf, Conor McGrady, Kevork Mourad, Amir Naderi, Kevin Noble, Kasra Paydavousi, Jayce Salloum, Sasson Soffer, M. Varteni, Shekaiba Wakili and Emna Zghal.

Please come and enjoy an evening of warm hospitality, cocktails and food, listen to Middle Eastern music, meet artists and new friends, and even take home an original piece of artwork. A donation of $150 is suggested to participate in the auction. All contributions are tax-deductible.

R.S.V.P. to Ahmed Issawi at 212-967-4318 or ahmed@alwan.org.

We look forward to seeing you soon at this event.

Sincerely,

Anny Bakalian, Kouross Esmaeli and Ahmed Issawi

Organizing Committee

Last updated: 2007-11-27 09:53:54