Special Lecture at The University of Texas at Austin, Thu, February 18, 2010 5:00 PM
Presented by Alnoor Merchant – Head Librarian and Keeper of the Special Collections at The Institute of Ismaili Studies, London
Throughout history, a most significant impetus for the development of artistic culture has been patronage. Patronage of art and architecture has been an integral element in Muslim civilizations also. In his presentation, Alnoor Merchant will discuss how patrons, by attracting celebrated artists to create vibrant and unique styles and themes, promoted an exuberant and dynamic artistic environment extending from Indonesia to Spain. He will also show how the artworks, spanning over a thousand years of history and originating from different parts of the Muslim world, have a context in the faith and history of Islam and are metaphors for humanism and enlightenment.
More: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/mes/events/13684
http://archnet.org/calendar/item.jsp?calendar_id=70480
Ismailimail 
Thank you to the IIS and Alnoor Merchant for this significant outreach initiative to explain the contributions of Islam to a Western audience. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
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