Culture & Creativity

Some of the world's greatest cultural works- from art, to music, to literature- come from the developing world. These cultural products are important not just for their beauty, but also for what they say about the values and history of the people who produce them.

The Open Hands Initiative encourages the power of expression and dialogue through art, and provides tools for introducing these treasures to western audiences.

In future projects, we intend to translate, distribute, and promote in the west the works of the developing world's authors and poets, while supporting local literacy and educational programs.

We also help facilitate the production, distribution, and exchange of local art and music, to expose American audiences to the richness of independent local artists and entertainers. As part of these programs, we also connect local artists with American counterparts, to provide education, training, and mutual sharing of local techniques.

Music Exchange Program

The first cultural exchange project launched in Syria, August 2010, was a music exchange program. This program facilitated the production, distribution, and exchange of local Syrian music, in an effort to encourage growth of the domestic amateur music scene in Syria while also sharing this music to American audiences. 

Check back soon to hear the music produced during the program. Until then, you can meet our partners and participating musicians, including "Women's Takht" seen below.