Arab Fund Call for Proposals

submitted by our friend and colleague, Eyad Houssami, currently splitting his time between Amman, Beirut and Damascus on a Fulbright.

The Arab Fund for Arts & Culture aims at simulating and supporting artistic creativity and freedom of cultural expression in the Arab World.

The Arab Fund for Arts & Culture (AFAC) is a non profit organization providing direct financial assistance to independent artists and cultural institutions across the Arab region. AFAC invites individuals, NGOs, cultural and educational organizations, governmental bodies and private companies working in culture and arts in the Arab World to send in project proposals in the fields of:

1. Independent Filmmaking
2. Performing Arts
3. Visual Arts
4. Literature
5. Research
6. Capacity Building and Training
7. Regional Cultural Events and Regional Exchange

Application should be completed in Arabic and sent by no later than 30 September 2008 to: grants@arabculturefund.org

Or in a sealed envelope addressed to:
Arab Fund for Arts & Culture
Amman 11118, Jordan Po Box 1402

Application form, guidelines and frequently asked questions can be downloaded from their website: http://www.arabculturefund.org/

"Confirmation of receipts" emails will be sent by email to applicants.
If you have any questions write to us at: afac@arabculturefund.org

Negative Views Of U.S. Still Strong in Arab World

A new survey, conducted by the University of Maryland and Zogby International, finds that 8 out of 10 Arabs have unfavorable views of the United States. Polling 4000 respondents living in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, 80% said their opinions were based on the policies of the U.S. government, not by American values or culture. The poll also looked at some public diplomacy efforts and found that viewership of the U.S.-sponsored Al Hurra TV service remains at 2%, while Al Jazeera receives 53% of Arab audiences.