What began as an idea between two Lebanese dreamers on a subway train in Brooklyn in 2001, blossomed into a global art collective they named "xanadu*, a beautiful place."
The idea was to encourage Arab artists to express themselves and exhibit their work, in what was one of the most difficult times in history for an Arab to be living in New York City. In 2003, xanadu* opened up in the legendary Greenwich Village with the mission to showcase artwork, poetry, and music made by young Arab artists.
For three years, xanadu* held monthly events that included art exhibitions, poetry and music performances, publications, and even chess lessons. It seemed as if Planet xanadu*, with all her multi-talented citizens, had become a microcosmic New York City.
In 2004, xanadu* branched out to Lebanon. In Beirut, activities have included everything from one night "happenings" to month long exhibitions. In 2006, xanadu* curated the "Shu Tabkha, Ya Mara? (What's Cooking, Woman?) art exhibit in partnership with the International Museum of Women. That same year, xanadu* and local art powerhouse Espace SD co-curated "Nafas Beirut", a testimony to artwork made during the July 06 war. Soon after that, xanadu* launched its publication program to help young writers and poets share their work with their peers.
In 2007, Zena el-Khalil, co-founder of xanadu*, was accepted as an IndyAct League Member. It is with this new collaboration that xanadu* has now partnered with IndyAct with the mission to continue creating dynamic opportunities for artists. We stand firm to our belief that art can make positive changes in the world around us and with support from IndyAct, we are certain to take this message globally. We hope to inspire artists from around the world to take personal initiatives in order to make this world a truly beautiful place.