Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2015 CARAVAN EXHIBITION OF VISUAL ART
An unparalleled gathering of premier and emerging artists focusing on
what they hold in common through their cultures and creeds: Christian, Muslim and Jewish
8 January 2015 (Paris, France / Cairo, Egypt / Chicago, USA)
Following the recent tragedy in Paris and In the midst of the increasing chasm of discord and
misunderstanding that exists between the Middle East and the West, and between Christians,
Muslims and Jews, the 7th CARAVAN Exhibition of Visual Art titled The Bridge will open in Paris,
France at the historic Church of Saint Germain des Prés in the Latin Quarter, the oldest church
in Paris, during the first week of February 2015 to commemorate the United Nations World
Interfaith Harmony Week.
Through the founding sponsorship of SODIC from Egypt, The Bridge is an East-West traveling
art exhibition organized and curated by CARAVAN, an inter-religious and intercultural peacebuilding
NGO. It showcases the work of 47 premier contemporary visual artists of Arab, Persian
and Jewish backgrounds. As a multi-religious group, the artists are making the case for using
that which we have in common as the foundation for the future of our world.
The Bridge will open on February 2, 2015 with a month-long exhibition in Paris, France and will
then travel throughout Europe, to Egypt and the United States, and will be held in a variety of
venues (cathedrals, museums, galleries, interfaith centers, etc) before closing in 2016.
As the exhibition travels, it takes with it a fundamental message of intercultural and interreligious
harmony and provides a link not only within communities but also between
communities. The Bridge serves as a common starting point on which to build, toward seeing
the development of a world that inherently respects and honors cultural and religious diversity,
living and working together in harmony.
The Bridge exhibition involves a diverse range of Arab, Persian and Jewish visual artists.
Participating artists include women and men, from premier contemporary artists to emerging
younger artists, from the three primary monotheistic faith backgrounds and 13 countries. Each
artist has submitted one original work (done specifically for the exhibition) addressing the theme
“The Bridge,” focusing on what they hold in common through their cultures and creeds,
illustrating their ideas of how to build bridges between us all.
The Bridge is co-curated by CARAVAN Founder/President, Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler and
noted artist, Lilianne Milgrom.
THE BRIDGE: 2015 CARAVAN Exhibition of Visual Art / Paris: 2-28 February, 2015
Church of Saint Germain des Pres (dans La Chapelle Saint Symphorien)
3, place Saint Germain des Prés, VI, Paris, France (www.eglise-sgp.org)
Opening hours:
Monday through Friday: 17h00 to 20h00
Saturday and Sunday: 12h00 to 20h00
Website: www.oncaravan.org
Facebook—visit us at: CARAVAN Arts
Twitter: @oncaravanarts
For more information, interviews or photos, please email: [email protected]
About CARAVAN
CARAVAN, which originated out of Cairo, Egypt, is an international humanitarian arts NGO that
focuses on building bridges through the arts between the creeds and cultures of the Middle East
and West. CARAVAN’s experience has shown that the Arts can serve as one of the most
effective mediums to enhance understanding, bring about respect, enable sharing, and deepen
friendship between those of different faiths and cultures. One of the flagship initiatives of
CARAVAN is the globally recognized interfaith CARAVAN Exhibition of Visual Art, a unique arts
initiative that brings together many of the Middle East’s and West’s premier and emerging
artists.
