MENA ARTISTS INITIATIVE

Founded by Sofia Mahdavi in 2022, MENA Artists Initiative is a global arts network dedicated to the representation, support, and collaboration of Middle Eastern and North African artists. Engaging in artistic exchange between the MENA region and its diaspora, we produce performances, workshops, and events in NYC and around the world by partnering with arts institutions and universities. We are a central hub for artist resources, job/casting opportunities, announcements, and monthly event lineups pertaining to the arts scene in the region and abroad.

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What started as the first MENA affinity group in NYU Tisch School of the Arts history, led by Sofia Mahdavi and Karma Alami, developed into an organization that provides opportunities for students to collaborate with artists across the world at institutions like NYU Abu Dhabi and the Lebanese American University. We have sites in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Beirut, and Paris. By creating networks between up and coming artists and those already making an impact in the industry, we hope to see greater MENA representation in the arts on a global scale.