I AM
Following the premiere in Amman, Jordan, the I AM exhibition moved to London, and was showcased at St. Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square from July 2 - August 20, 2017.
Over 400 distinguished guests attended the official opening program on July 3 that included special speakers such as His Excellency Mazen K. Homoud, the Ambassador of Jordan to the UK, Sir Derek Plumbly, Chairman of The Arab British Centre and Vanessa Branson, Founder of the Marrakech Biennale in Morocco. Special guest sopranos Dima Bawab and Margo Arsane performed, together with piano accompanist Toby Purser, thanks to our partner The Peace and Prosperity Trust.
A variety of events around the I AM exhibition in London were held to address stereotypes and challenge misconceptions (see below). Additionally, there was also a youth educational focus, in partnership with the Jonas Foundation.
Watch a Video on the Opening of I AM in London
Read the remarks by Sir Derek Plumbly, Chairman of The Arab British Centre (and former HM Ambassador to Egypt and Saudi Arabia) at the opening of I AM: "Art, Peacebuilding and Women"
London, United Kingdom
St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square
Opening Event at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, United Kingdom
CARAVAN EVENTS in LONDON (around the I AM exhibition)
July 4, Tuesday, 7.00pm
The Gallery in the Crypt, St Martin-in-the-Fields
Women, Art & The Middle East - Challenging Stereotypes, Building Bridges
A panel discussion was moderated by Malu Halasa as part of our I AM opening programme in London. This exploration with participating artists Marwa Al Khalifa (Bahrain), Zena Assi (Lebanon), Ahaad Alamoudi (Saudi Arabia) and Soheila Sokhanvari (Iran), and curator, Janet Rady, confronted challenges and stereotypes while celebrating progress and achievements.
Watch the video: Artists' Panel Discussion
July 15, Saturday, 11am
Workshop with Jonas Foundation
A workshop for children affiliated with the Jonas Foundation's work was held that focused on the concepts expressed through the I AM exhibition of identity, culture, heritage and creativity. The children looked at the use of color, form and rhythm in the works while also developing riddles to describe them.
July 18, Tuesday, 7.30pm
St Martin-in-the-Fields
Arab Jazz for Peace
A concert with critically acclaimed East-West fusion jazz group, HIJAZ, together with gifted Tunisian singer Abir Nasraoui explored differences and similarities in cultures through their unique musical expression on July 18 in association with I AM programming. Held at St Martin-in-the-Fields. See photos: Arab Jazz for Peace
August 14, Monday, 7.00pm
An Evening with Elif Shafak - "East, West and Global Souls"
Elif Shafak, the award-winning Turkish novelist and one of today's most influential public intellectuals gave a presentation on August 14 titled "East, West & Global Souls" in London at St. Martin-in-the-Fields around the I AM exhibition.
A combination of lecture, conversation and a time of questions, Elif focused on building bridges, not walls.
Elif Shafak was also awarded the first CARAVAN Award for Peacebuilding and the Arts.
Watch a video for the evening: East, West and Global Souls
Watch a video of the CARAVAN Award presentation: CARAVAN Award
See photos of the evening: Elif Shafak evening
