Notably, Dr. Curtis, through the IU Indianapolis Arabic Studies program that he directs, is collaborating with the organizers to put on the fair. Under his direction, several IU-I undergraduate students, have been working with artist Salma Taman, community organizer Yaqoub Saadeh, attorney Salma Qaddourah, and health care analyst Maria Nimri, among others, to curate this original exhibit of Arab Hoosier art, provide entertainment and food to fairgoers, and organize over a dozen community information and resource tables.
Organizers say that the diverse cultural heritage of Arab Hoosiers, who trace their roots to over twenty different countries across North Africa and the Middle East, will inspire the fair’s many components. The event will begin with the music of the Al Salaam Ensemble from Bloomington and will end with the poetry of Iraqi American writer Sajjad Jawad. “For community members who want to learn about and enjoy anything from our dancing and art to our music and food, this is a perfect opportunity,” according to IU Arabic Studies director Edward Curtis, who also founded the Arab Indianapolis project. Hands-on activities will be available for both adults and children. Fairgoers will be invited, for example, to join in a dabka dancing workshop after a brief lecture and performance by the Alfawares Zaffe dancing troupe. Fairgoers can browse the art exhibit and tables at their leisure.
A catered lunch by the International Marketplace Coalition will also be provided for free. Parking is free. The Indianapolis Global Village is located at 4233 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46254. Contact: Edward Curtis, ecurtis4@iu.edu Click here to learn more about, and reserve a spot for, this free event.
