Iconoclasts
and VisionariesCalendarCall for Submissions
Title: Iconoclasts and Visionaries, a Levantine anthology
Editor: Jordan Elgrably
Deadline: September 30, 2006
Publication: Winter 2007
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Levantine Cultural Center in Los Angeles, the editor seeks contributions of creative nonfiction (essay, travel, first-person narrative), short stories, poetry, one-act plays, art and photography for Iconoclasts and Visionaries, a Levantine anthology.
The title choice reflects a fundamental belief that artists and writers are often iconoclasts and visionaries by virtue of their pan-cultural, activist approach—rarely allowing politics, religion or other such considerations to stop them from crossing literal or figurative borders. Often in the U.S. media, the countries and cultures of North Africa and the Middle East are presented through a lens of conflict. The language of the “clash of civilizations” or Orientalism creates a pervasive sense of “us and them.” The contributions in this anthology intend to serve as a counterweight to such dichotomous thinking. The anthology should create a rich reading and visual experience that ultimately defies myth and stereotype about Arab/Muslim and other West Asian cultures.
Contributions that focus on personal experience over academic writing or journalism are preferred. Complex thinking that emphasizes the nuances of culture and identity, rather than narrow political or religious arguments, is welcome. Contributors need not be ethnically Middle Eastern to have their work considered.
Maximum word length for nonfiction, short stories and one-act plays is 3,000 words. Poetry, submit a maximum of three poems of any length. Art/photography, submit up to five images in low-res jpg format for previewing.
All manuscripts and art submitted by September 30, 2006 will be considered. Unpublished submissions are preferred, but previously published work will be considered. Work that currently appears on the Internet is not eligible. Contributors whose work is accepted for publication in the anthology agree not to republish on the Net until six months after first publication of the work. Contributors will receive three copies of the book upon publication and an honorarium.
Creative nonfiction, poetry and fiction should be submitted within a Word doc, andinclude your contact info and brief biographical note. With visual work include an artist statement/bio. All electronic submissions go to jordane@levantinecenter.org. Snail mail to Iconoclasts, Levantine Center, 8424A Santa Monica Blvd., N. 789, West Hollywood CA 90069.
LEVANTINE CULTURAL CENTER
Cultures of the Middle East & Mediterranean
8424A Santa Monica Blvd., N. 789
West Hollywood CA 90069
310.559.5544, info@levantinecenter.org
Levantine Center advocates for, educates about, and in general promotes
and supports Middle Eastern and Mediterranean contemporary arts and traditional
cultures. We present or cosponsor programs of music, literature, art,
film/video, publications, new media and more, often from educational and
historical perspectives. While acknowledging the value of entertainment,
we emphasize scholarship and substance. We are strongly multidisciplinary
and non-sectarian, do not embrace any political or religious doctrine,
and are committed to the principle of cross-cultural cooperation. We support
the strengthening of ties between all cultural, ethnic and religious communities
of the Middle East/West Asia/Levant, as well as between all peoples of
Middle Eastern descent in diaspora.