Transformation through the Arts |
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LEVERAGING ANEW THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ART |
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Introducing CARAVAN 3.0 A Special Announcement from our Founder and President, Paul G. Chandler |
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“Timing is everything” is the old adage. I just returned from several weeks in Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon, and was reminded of an ancient Middle Eastern tribe over 2500 years ago that was described as one “who understood the times in order to know what to do.” How apropos this is for us all in facing today’s challenges. |
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During the last two weeks in the Middle East, where I visited CARAVAN artists and prepared peacebuilding artistic initiatives in environments that have recently experienced conflict, it was deeply inspiring to see of how the arts serve as one of the most effective mediums to heal our world, creatively fostering peace, harmony, and wholeness in all its forms. |
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The West is also experiencing conflict amidst the fracturing of society, which is becoming increasingly polarized. During this pivotal moment in history, I am reminded anew of the transcendent and transformative power of the arts. Over the last 15 years, CARAVAN’s experience has demonstrated that the arts is one of the most strategic ways to enhance understanding, bring about respect, enable sharing, and deepen relationships between those of diverse cultures, ethnicities, worldviews and spiritual traditions. |
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I am frequently reminded of words from the late Nobel Prize Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz: “Art is the language of the entire human personality." The arts provide new pathways of understanding that transcend borders and how we see the “other.” |
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We live in a time when “creative demonstrations of dialogue and bridge-building” are needed more than ever. During this period of escalating misunderstanding, stereotyping and division, building on CARAVAN’s years of experience of building bridges through the arts, our Board of Directors met to strategically determine how CARAVAN’s work should be shaped anew and enhanced to most effectively employ the arts in this new era to create lasting change in the quest for harmony in our world. |
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This recent time of discernment by our Board has led to launching what we are referring to as “CARAVAN 3.0.” CARAVAN 1.0 was that early period in Cairo, Egypt when we began as a grassroots bridge-building arts initiative (2009-2013). CARAVAN 2.0 entailed our incorporation and work around the world as a US registered international art non-profit/NGO (beginning in 2014). Now, we are excited to be entering a whole new phase. . . CARAVAN 3.0. |
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I am delighted to share with you below about CARAVAN’s enhanced strategic mission of building bridges through the transcendent transformative power of art. Your partnership with us is more critical than ever. Thank you! |
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Paul G. Chandler, Founder & President |
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"Transformation through the Arts" |
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CARAVAN is an international arts NGO/non-profit dedicated to building bridges through the arts. We believe the arts can transform lives and communities. Our initiatives forge unprecedented partnerships with artists, fostering peace, harmony and wholeness. |
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The name "CARAVAN" reflects our mission to facilitate reframing perceptions of the “other” by journeying together through the arts. Our experience shows that the arts can deepen our understanding of each other across diverse cultures, peoples and spiritual traditions. |
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CARAVAN began in Cairo, Egypt in 2009, using the arts to address the growing discord between the Middle East and the West. Since then, we have held bridge-building exhibitions throughout the Middle East, Europe, North America, and in West Africa, with a special focus on contemporary artists of Middle Eastern/North African, Indigenous (e.g. Native American), and Black (African and Diaspora) heritage. |
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To transform lives, we bring people to art and art to people through: |
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We curate and organize touring art exhibitions that build bridges between those of diverse backgrounds and worldviews. | | |
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We host tours internationally that provide transformative experiences through the lens of culture and art. |
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Our tours, like a “gallery without walls,” offer an exploration of fascinating artistic cultures, both living and historic, opening doors into a deeper understanding of others, and of ourselves. The tours we are currently curating focus on Egypt, and also soon on colorful Senegal, West Africa. Other tours in the works will be to the ancient Republic of Georgia in the Caucasus, and exotic Tunisia, North Africa. |
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JOIN US on a caravan to explore the wonder of Egypt, through the lens of its artistic culture and spirituality. Learn about our next available “Cradle of Civilization” tour to Egypt from April 19 - 30, 2026. |
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We elevate inspirational artistic voices through educational programming at our exhibitions, art spotlights, speaking engagements, artist residencies, and more. |
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Art is a universal language that has the ability to dissolve the differences that divide us. As long as division has torn apart the human family, art has offered a mode of reconciliation. |
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“Art has the power to shape individuals and cultures. It can. . . show us the humanity of the other, challenge our ways of seeing and radically alter our framework. . . Art might be exactly what we need to imagine our way out of the tribalism and polarization that plague us.” -Yvonne Owuor Adhiambo, Kenyan novelist |
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Art can foster understanding, alleviate fears and unite people who might otherwise remain apart. |
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“Art never stopped a war…. but it can change people.” -Leonard Bernstein, 20th century composer and conductor |
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Art can address sensitive issues without raising defensive barriers. It can dismantle stereotypes and heal divisions. |
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“Art is the conversation…. an opening for the heart.” -Hafez, 14th century Persian poet and mystic |
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Art can create new pathways of understanding that transcend differences and lead us into new ways of being. |
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“I am attempting to dig away at… the great mystery of being.” -Anish Kapoor, British-Indian sculptor |
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We invite you to help us build bridges of peace through the arts! |
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As a non-profit 501(c)(3), we are entirely dependent on the support of individuals. We treasure your generosity in supporting CARAVAN You may financially support CARAVAN by sending your tax-deductible gifts in the following three ways: *Give online: www.oncaravan.org/donate *Write a check and send to: CARAVAN, P.O. Box 360, Winfield, IL 60190, USA *Give a stock gift - see DONATE |
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CARAVAN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (officially registered as CARAVAN Arts, nfp) |
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