"Arts of the Monsoon" Reveals Cross-Cultural Connections Between the Indian Ocean Coasts of Oman and Zanzibar
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will present an invitation-only screening of the world premiere documentary Arts of the Monsoon Tuesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. at the E Street Cinema in Washington, D.C. There will be a free public screening of the film at the museum June 11.
Arts of the Monsoon shows the close cultural connections between Zanzibar and Oman through arts and traditions that are still evident today. The story, filmed on location in Oman and Zanzibar, is told by musicians, artists and cultural experts.
“We want to invite audiences to gain a broader understanding of how Zanzibari and Omani history and culture has shaped and enriched the world,” said Nicole Shivers, project lead, executive producer and education specialist at the museum. “From Swahili Kanga, worn on the streets of Stone Town and Salalah, to Taarab music, to the carved wooden doors dominating Stone Town Zanzibar and the old homes of Muscat and Mizanfah, the film highlights the impact and influence the seafaring trade has had on dress, architecture, music and culture in Zanzibar and Oman.”
A discussion about the documentary following the May 10 screening will include Shivers, filmmaker Dodge Billingsley and museum head of communications Edward Burke. Shivers will speak at the June 11 public opening.
A selection of objects featured in the documentary are on display in the museum’s “Connecting the Gems of the Indian Ocean: From Oman to East Africa” experience exhibit.
About Connecting the Gems of the Indian Ocean: From Oman to East Africa
In November 2013, the museum launched a multiyear series of programming, Connecting the Gems of the Indian Ocean: From Oman to East Africa, to highlight the cross-cultural connections of East and North Africa with those found in the Middle East. It showcases the evolution of Omani arts and cultures, the beauty of the arts in Oman and its connections to the East African Coast. This partnership was made possible by the Sultan of Qaboos Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. More information about the Connecting the Gems project is available on the National Museum of African Art website.
About the National Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art is America’s only museum dedicated to the collection, conservation, study and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free. The museum is located at 950 Independence Avenue S.W., near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines. For more information about this program, call (202) 633-4600 or visit the National Museum of African Art’s website. For general Smithsonian information, call (202) 633-1000.
Note: For media enquiries and to attend the preview contact Edward Burke at (202) 633-4660 or burkee@si.edu.
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