Founded in 2015, the Institute Arab & Islamic Art (IAIA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization (a 501c3 organization registered in NY) that promotes and advances the artistic and cultural dialogue between New York City (NYC) and the Arab and Islamic worlds. IAIA received its official statue of incorporation in April 2016 in the State of New York. IAIA provides – through diverse education programs, a multi-disciplinary exhibition space, publications, residency programs – a welcoming environment for the international community to learn about and engage with an often overly-simplified culture. IAIA puts an emphasis on collaboration with cultural organizations around the globe to serve as a much-needed platform for creative, innovative and forward-thinking artists, curators, critics, scholars and intellectuals.