The Louise T Blouin Foundation Launches a Presence in The Middle East and Announces Support for a New Cultural Dialogue Between Israel and Palestine

The Louise T Blouin Foundation Launches a Presence in The Middle East and Announces Support for a New Cultural Dialogue Between Israel and Palestine

LONDON, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Louise T Blouin Foundation -- a global philanthropic agency dedicated to the development of culture and creativity -- announced today the launch of the Foundation's presence in the Middle East starting with an initial $500,000 commitment to support the peace process through innovative cultural and artistic projects.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051031/NYM202 )

Louise T Blouin MacBain, Chairman and Founder, commented in a speech to leading cultural and commercial figures in Israel: "Culture has a crucial part to play in rebuilding trust and encouraging understanding. Cultural projects and initiatives can create a unique platform for peace."

The $500,000 commitment will support a range of cultural projects in the region as well as scholarships for cultural exchange programs. In partnership with the film school of Tel Aviv University and the Royal Jordanian Film Commission, the Foundation's first investment in the project "4 Generations" will provide support for the development of a television series which tells the story of Israeli and Palestinian people over the 20th Century. The series brings together both Israeli and Palestinian writers and historians. "4 Generations is a fantastic example of how our culture can enhance the journey towards peace," said Mrs MacBain. "It is creating a unique forum for people to work together and learn from the past that we might understand our neighbours and create a stronger future. What better example could there be of the power of culture to support new approaches to long-standing challenges?"

The Louise T Blouin Foundation is bringing together the world's best artists, scientists, emotional trauma experts, psychologists, historians and experts from many other disciplines to research the best ways that creativity and culture can support human development, looking particularly at the role of culture in encouraging peace.

Dean Freddie Rokem of Tel Aviv University, a supporter of the 4 Generations project, said: "The Louise T Blouin Foundation is impressively ambitious in its work. Its commitment to promoting cultural dialogue in the Middle East is commendable. Without their support, and the support of Iris Elhanani, Nadia Saah, and Hollywood producers, Richard Gere, Jake Eberts, and Tracey Alexander, ground-breaking projects like the 4 Generations would struggle to exist. I look forward to seeing what they do next!"

Mrs MacBain visited key cultural sites in the region on behalf of her Foundation as well as delivering a speech to the writers and historians who were meeting for the first time to begin the work of 4 Generations.

The Louise T Blouin Foundation is interested in hearing from individuals or businesses that would be prepared to support its investment in the area.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051031/NYM202
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: The Louise T Blouin Foundation

CONTACT: WCTV Media Relations, +1-212-445-8220, for The Louise T Blouin
Foundation

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