In a world of increasing interconnectedness, conflict still persists due the inability to look beyond the differences imposed by artificial borders. Music is one entity that doesn't recognize such boundaries. While music reflects the diversity of the peoples of the world, it can also transcend differences to act as a universal language.
Like music, the Silk Road—a historic trade route that extended from China across Asia and all the way to North Africa—served to connect people of diverse lands. The Silk Road Institute strives to use our resources to act as a contemporary Silk Road, promoting cross-cultural connections through music.
Our Mission :
• Preserve the diverse cultures & ancient musical traditions of the Silk Road regions
• Promote cross-cultural cooperation, scholarship, & understanding through innovative educational programming highlighting these unique musical traditions
Realizing Our Mission :
• Tapping into the knowledge & talents of artists versed in Silk Road musical traditions
• Presenting local, national, & international audiences with performances & educational programs led by such artists
• Integrating educational initiatives to increase public awareness of the music & cultures of the Silk Road regions & enhance the “dialogue of civilizations” between East & West
• Encouraging cross-cultural exchange between local & international artists & scholars
• Supporting both innovation & preservation of unique & ancient Silk Road musical traditions
Long-Term Goals :
• Establishing a center in Bloomington that can be used for administration, holding workshops, and housing visiting artists.
• Hosting a syndicated radio and/or TV program
• Publishing & promoting educational resources (translations, texts, & audiovisual materials) relating to the music & cultures of the Silk Road regions (in a CD Rom format?)
• Developing an archive of audio-visual materials from performances and workshops held by the Institute as well as a collection of our publication and other materials on Silk Road music
• Offering a variety of educational programs for all ages, including…
• Workshops & courses offered for credit through IU, with a distance-learning option
• Master classes with visiting artists
• Summer workshops with visiting artists
• Instrument-making workshops (made by the native craftsmen?)
• Week-long summer workshops for children
• Programming to expose children in local schools to Silk Road music & cultures
• Publishing a regular newsletter for institute members
• Taking the Silk Road Festival on the road
• Establishing a scholarship fund for artists & scholars committed to furthering the field of study—the music & cultures of the Silk Road—that the Institute is dedicated to promoting
