Project Goals

This project directly relates to the mission statement of the Puffin Foundation as it engages various communities in the United States in the dialogue of the secular, religious, historical and modern aspects of Islam with the objective of changing society’s perceptions of the Islamic world. Hussein Saidi, the artist, is both from the Muslim world, in Tanzania, and a citizen of the United States. As Saidi exhibits his works across the United States, he will be bringing people together, not only to view his work, but also to discuss the art and its implications. Saidi, through his art, will bring religious leaders from interfaith centers and academics from colleges and universities together for the sole purpose of fostering cultural understanding between the Islamic world and the United States. By inviting members of the organizations and local residents to view the artwork and participate in the discussions true understanding will begin to be established.

This project focuses on displaying artwork to basically two types of communities: interfaith centers and academic settings. Interfaith centers each have different missions, but generally, at the grass roots level, they promote religious and cultural tolerance, educate about the many religions, and bring people together from all ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. When the receptions are held for each of the exhibitions at these spaces, we will utilize the expertise of religious leaders to help lead the discussions.

Academic settings, such as colleges and universities, typically work to foster diversity in their populations, and as they do so, they must also work to foster understanding among this diverse population. When the receptions are held for each of the exhibitions in these spaces, we will utilize the expertise of professors of religious studies and history and of staff and students of diverse backgrounds.

Anticipated Outcomes for Project

The anticipated outcome for this project is the same as that of all of Saidi’s artwork – that the artwork communicates the global commonality among all people. Specifically for this project, Saidi hopes to foster understanding of the Islamic world among all the viewers of his artwork by generating discussions of the secular, religious, historical, and modern aspects of his art. With so much animosity, extremism, and misunderstanding in the world, through art, communities may begin to heal and promote the dialogue necessary for establishing peace. Because the artwork will be on display at public places, it will be able to reach a broad audience. Through Saidi’s skilled artistry and the communal effort of many others, this project will open minds, educate, and create the dialogue necessary to promoting understanding and peace.