U.S.A: Providence to showcase Islamic arts program

Providence is one of five cities across the country that will participate in a pilot program designed to showcase the diversity of Islamic societies through their art.

The Providence-based organization FirstWorks will host an artistic and cultural exchange program known as Caravanserai: A place where cultures meet. It is funded by a $1 million grant from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art's Building Bridges grants program.

Officials said the program will focus on music and film from Pakistan. It will feature contemporary vocal and instrumental music and an award-winning Pakistani filmmaker. A public performance is scheduled for November.

The other participating cities are Littleton, N.H.; Oswego, N.Y.; West Long Branch, N.J.; and Helena, Mont.

—Copyright 2011 Associated Press