May 8, 2019

The Journal

by mizna | in

In 1999, the first issue of the art + lit journal Mizna: Prose, Poetry, and Art Exploring Arab America was published. It was a novel idea then, and continues to be so today as, remarkably, Mizna is still the only lit journal of its kind. In 2003, Mizna launched the Twin Cities Arab Film Festival to bring to Minnesota current, indie film from Arab artists in the SWANA region and its diaspora. The Arab Film Fest is the largest and longest running such festival in the Midwest, presenting juried prizes and audience awards and inviting filmmakers to engage with audiences.

In addition to these flagship programs, Mizna has presented other contemporary cultural programming, producing theatrical and music performances, creating and commissioning public art experiences, offering classes and workshops, and supporting an active writing group and book club.