Steven D. LavineTo Whom It May Concern,

During the course of the past year, I have become familiar with one of L.A.'s most important new initiatives, Levantine Cultural Center. A nexus for cultures of the Middle East and North Africa, the center presents a range of literary, visual and performing arts programs. The center also offers workshops and classes in Arabic, Persian, drumming, dance and voice; and it serves as a needed resource to the mainstream media, looking for alternative voices to comment on Middle East issues.

Levantine Center includes majority and minority cultures in programs that emphasize coexistence. It offers critical support to emerging Middle Eastern artists. It also lends intellectual and contextual support to such large institutions as LACMA, UCLA and others, that benefit from a community organization with deep roots in the Arab, Iranian, Armenian, Turkish, Middle Eastern Jewish, Kurdish and other communities.

I have been consistently impressed by the quality of Levantine programs in which I have participated and it is almost beyond belief that the center has been able to accomplish so much as an essentially volunteer organization operating on a modest budget. Levantine Cultural Center is seeking funding that will provide both for a staff and a permanent home of its own, so that the center can meet the expanding demands on its services and programs.

I urge you to give Levantine Cultural Center every consideration.

Sincerely yours,
Steven D. Lavine