ARABESQUES

Arabesques

Arabesques is a cultural organization based in Western New York dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding through the arts. We highlight voices from the Middle East, North Africa, and West Asia through exhibitions, performances, film screenings, and literary events that celebrate modern, folklore, and contemporary art forms. Our work honors the richness of tradition, the power of creative expression, and the strength of community. Founded by artist and museum professional Nada Odeh after completing her Master’s in Museum Studies in 2018, Arabesques was born from a need for greater cultural representation and dialogue. What began as intimate art workshops has grown into a dynamic platform that bridges cultures, elevates diverse narratives, and cultivates meaningful connections through the arts.

What is MENA or WANA

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA), also referred to as West Asia and North Africa (WANA)or South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA),is a geographic region which comprises the Middle East (also called West Asia) and North Africa together.

Vision

Arabesques envisions an inclusive and dynamic cultural space in Western New York where the folklore, modern, and contemporary arts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Western Asia (MENA/WANA) connect communities, spark curiosity, and celebrate cultural identity through creativity and expression.

Mission

Arabesques curates, preserves, and presents the diverse artistic heritage of the MENA/WANA region—from folklore to modern and contemporary art—through exhibitions, education, and performance. We aim to enrich communities by fostering cultural dialogue, creative exploration, and inclusive engagement through the arts.

Core Values

Authenticity – Honoring and preserving the diverse artistic traditions and cultural expressions of the MENA/WANA region across time and generations.

Inclusivity – Creating a secular, welcoming, and non-partisan space where all individuals and identities are respected and represented.

Creativity – Embracing the transformative power of art—traditional and contemporary—as a bridge for storytelling, innovation, and understanding.

Community – Centering people and relationships through cultural exchange, collaboration, and shared experiences.

Education – Empowering individuals through accessible knowledge, intergenerational learning, and the celebration of shared heritage.

Arabesques TEAM

Nada Odeh MA. Museum Studies

Founder and Director

is a Syrian artist, curator, activist, and founder of Arabesques and QuartsX. Born in Damascus, she lived in Saudi Arabia and the UAE before relocating to the U.S. in 2013 due to the conflict in Syria. Her art—rooted in acrylics, Arabic miniatures, and Middle Eastern visual traditions—focuses on themes of displacement, identity, and the experiences of Syrian refugees, particularly women in exile. Nada holds an M.A. in Museum Studies from Syracuse University, where she was a recipient of the 100 Syrian Women, 10,000 Lives leadership scholarship, and a B.A. in Fine Arts from Damascus University. She was also a fellow of the Intercultural Leadership Institute.

Arabesques Story Nada's journey as an artist and museum professional led her to establish Arabesques in 2018, soon after completing her master’s, to create a space for community engagement and cultural education through art. She has curated and exhibited across the U.S. and the Middle East, and collaborated with institutions such as the New York Folklore Society to spotlight immigrant and refugee narratives.

nada@nadaodeh.com

Paul Hage MFA Communication

Co-Founder & Board Member

Paul Hage is a seasoned musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist with over 30 years of experience performing Arabic and jazz music. Known for his dynamic range and deep musicality, Paul has performed in a wide variety of venues and cultural settings, captivating audiences with his ability to blend traditional Middle Eastern sounds with the improvisational soul of jazz. He is the founder of Mirage, a genre-defying jazz band that infuses Arabic musical influences into contemporary compositions, creating a unique and soulful fusion. Under his leadership, Mirage has become known for its expressive performances and cross-cultural sound that bridges East and West.

paul.hage@hotmail.com

Wafa El Solh MS Nutritional Science

Co-Founder & Board Member

is a dedicated public health professional with a background in medical research and a passion for community service. With years of experience in both clinical and public health settings, Wafaa has contributed to improving health outcomes through data-driven research, education, and community outreach. She is a committed volunteer and advocate for underserved populations, using her expertise to support initiatives that promote health equity and cultural understanding. In recognition of her outstanding service and impact, Wafaa was honored with the “Woman of Distinction Award” by the New York State 142nd Assembly District for her dedication to volunteerism and contributions to local communities. Her work continues to bridge public health and grassroots engagement, empowering communities through care, knowledge, and compassion.

wafjaf@hotmail.com

Molly Sleiman, MBA & MA in Business and Law

Board Member

is a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience specializing in real estate and business law. She leverages her deep legal expertise to provide strategic, client-focused advice that helps individuals and businesses achieve their goals. Beyond her legal career, Molly is deeply passionate about and connected to MENA/WANA culture and art, actively supporting initiatives that celebrate and promote the rich heritage of these communities. Known for her dedication and commitment, she brings the same care and clarity to her clients and cultural advocacy alike.

mollysleiman@yahoo.com

Advisory Council

Dr. Mustafa Gökçek

is a scholar of Middle Eastern, Islamic, and Central Asian history, with a particular focus on the late Ottoman Empire and intellectual movements at the turn of the 20th century. His research explores the intersection of nationalism and Islamism, especially the intellectual exchange between the Russian and Ottoman Empires. He teaches courses on Middle East and Islamic history, Central Asia, and the Soviet Union/Russia. Dr. Gökçek holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and both a B.A. and M.A. in International Relations from Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey.

Akram Shibly

is a Syrian-American Screenwriter, Director and Documentary Filmmaker. He was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. When he was 19 years old, he founded True Intent Productions, LLC, with a mission to create enlightening entertainment. His focus is feature-length narrative drama that explores communities and issues rarely seen on the silver screen.

Support Arabesques

Arabesques is proudly fiscally sponsored by Arts Services Inc. (ASI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, which means your donation is tax-deductible and securely processed through ASI.

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