[MES Forum] Help Us Bring the Middle East to Life at Ohio State: Give or Share Today

[McClimans, Melinda]

Dear MES Forum Members,
We've launched "New Experiences of the Middle East," a crowdfunding campaign on Buckeye Funder to raise $20,000 for our Public Programs Fund. We hope you'll join us as we spread the word about our campaign for artistic and cultural experiences of the cultures of South West Asia, Türkiye and North Africa. The funds we raise will support the kinds of rich, hands-on cultural encounters that bring the Middle East to life right here in Columbus.
What your support makes possible:
At a moment when the Middle East is constantly in the headlines, we believe it's more important than ever to go beyond the news cycle — to celebrate the art, music, literature, cuisine, and living heritage of the region. With your help, we can bring to Columbus:

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Expert artists and performers
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Authors and academics doing fieldwork in the region
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Concerts, film screenings, and staged readings
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Calligraphy workshops and chef-led culinary experiences
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Intimate conversations and community events for students, youth, and the broader Columbus community

In past years, we've commissioned original plays, co-hosted international conferences, facilitated conversations with filmmakers and hip-hop artists, and organized hands-on workshops for OSU students, secondary students, and the general public. Your contribution will provide the necessary funding to bring in globally recognized artists, speakers, and authors.
How you can help:

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Give — any amount makes a difference. Contributions start at just $5, and every dollar brings us closer to our $20,000 goal.
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Share — know someone who loves the arts, values intercultural education, or cares about the Middle East? Forward this email or share the campaign link with them.

Campaign link: https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/49297
The campaign runs through August 3, 2026. We currently have 126 days left and have raised $250 toward our goal — so every share and every gift truly counts right now.
Your support helps us ensure that students and Columbus residents have access to meaningful, encounters with the Middle East that showcase creativity coming from various cultures, communities and eras.
Thank you for being part of this community.
With gratitude,
Melinda

Melinda McClimans, PhD
Assistant Director
The Ohio State University
International Affairs Middle East Studies Center
145 Enarson Classroom Building, 2009 Millikin Rd, Columbus Ohio 43210
614-292-6506 Office / 614-292-5897 Office
mcclimans.2 at osu.edu<mailto:mcclimans.2 at osu.edu> mesc.osu.edu<http://mesc.osu.edu/>

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