Muslim Voices: Arts and Ideas

A ten-day festival of Islamic art and culture kicked off last weekend in New York City. The event is sponsored by BAM, the Asia Society, and NYU's Center for Dialogues, and runs from June 5th-14th. The "Muslim Voices: Arts and Ideas" program includes music, film, dance, poetry, lectures, debates, and visual art exhibitions by more than 100 local and international Muslim artists.

Senagalese singer Youssou N'Dour (recently awarded a Grammy for Best Contemporary World Music Album) kicked off the musical segment of the event on Saturday evening with a sold-out live performance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The Village Voice online magazine commented:

"It's altogether appropriate that this festival is happening in a city once victimized by terrorism. We've seen the worst from the extremists; now it's time to experience the best from the artists."

For a full list of event locations and times, please visit the Muslim Voices: Arts and Ideas website.

Photo: Youssou Ndour attends the premiere of the documentary film "Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love." The film is being screened during the "Muslim Voices" festival in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)