Centrum has been selected to host “Caravanserai: A Place Where Cultures Meet,” an artistic and cultural exchange program meant to showcase the diversity of contemporary Islamic societies through their art and culture. Centrum successfully applied to be one of four organizations to host the third season of Caravanserai. Building on two successful pilot seasons, Caravanserai comprises a series of community-based activities featuring performing artists and filmmakers from Muslim cultures.

The program’s 2013-2014 season will focus on the music and culture of Turkey and will feature contemporary and traditional music and Turkish film.

Initial programming at Centrum will take place this autumn, October 13-19, and will feature Sufi performer Omar Faruk Tekbilek. In January, filmmaker Pelin Esmer will be in residence, and in April, 2014, jazz/folk musician Serkan Cagri will be in residence. These artists will spend their time immersed in the Port Townsend and Port Angeles communities, sharing their cultures and absorbing the cultures of the area.

The name “Caravanserai” was carefully selected for this program, said David Fraher, president of Arts Midwest, the producing organization. “Historically…stopping places for caravans along trade routes were called caravanserais,” he said. “They were safe places to sit around the fire, come together, and exchange stories. We’re delighted that Centrum is providing one of these stopping places for an exciting cultural experience.

In addition to Centrum, Peninsula College, Port Townsend High School, the Chimacum school district, KPTZ, the Jefferson County Library, and the Port Townsend Film Institute will be involved in bringing education in Turkish culture to Port Townsend.