Middle East Institute Presents: A Night of Art, Rap, and Pop Culture from the Arabian Peninsula

Middle East Institute Presents: A Night of Art, Rap, and Pop Culture from the Arabian Peninsula

Date and Time

Location

View Map

Description:

The Middle East Institute (MEI), with the support of Art Jameel, and in partnership with CultuRunners and Desert Storm, is pleased to present an evening highlighting the cutting-edge cultural scene emerging from the Gulf.

The evening program will include the screening of Saudi Arabian artist Ahmed Mater's acclaimed work on the cities of Mecca and Riyadh, a live music performance by the Kuwaiti-born, California-based rap group, Sons of Yusuf, a discussion with Emirati artist and curator, Noor al Suwaidi, and a conversation about the role of the arts in breaking stereotypes, bridging cultural understanding, and empowering youth from the region.

Stephen Stapleton, Director of the arts organization Culturunners, and Co-Founder of the Saudi Arts Collective, Edge of Arabia, will moderate.

Art Jameel, an initiative of Community Jameel, fosters and promotes contemporary art and creative entrepreneurship across the MENAT region.

Featuring:

Noor Al Suwaidi

Emirati Artist and Curator

Ahmed Mater

Saudi Arabian Contemporary Artist

Sons of Yusuf

Abdul'Rahman Yusuf, Kuwaiti Rapper

Ya'koob Yusuf, Kuwaiti Rapper

Stephen Stapleton (Moderator)

Director, Culturunners, and Co-Founder, Saudi Arts Collective, Edge of Arabia

Partners Include:

Registration is not required for this event, but seating is limited.

Please arrive early.

For more information, click HERE:

Grapevine Storytelling Series

Jun 10, 2026 7:00 pm

Grapevine Storytelling Series

Performance | Takoma

Grapevine Storytelling Series

Grapevine Storytelling Series

Jun 10, 2026 7:00 pm

Performance | Takoma

Night of Expression: Open Mic + Showcase!

Jun 10, 2026 7:00 pm

Night of Expression: Open Mic + Showcase!

Performance | 14th & V

Night of Expression: Open Mic + Showcase!

Night of Expression: Open Mic + Showcase!

Jun 10, 2026 7:00 pm

Performance | 14th & V

Wednesday Night Open Mic hosted by Simply Sherri

Jun 10, 2026 8:00 pm

Wednesday Night Open Mic hosted by Simply Sherri

Poetry Reading/Open Mic | 450K

Wednesday Night Open Mic hosted by Simply Sherri

Wednesday Night Open Mic hosted by Simply Sherri

Jun 10, 2026 8:00 pm

Poetry Reading/Open Mic | 450K

EmpowerEd DC - Benefit

Jun 11, 2026 6:00 pm

EmpowerEd DC - Benefit

Fundraiser | Brookland

EmpowerEd DC - Benefit

EmpowerEd DC - Benefit

Jun 11, 2026 6:00 pm

Fundraiser | Brookland