Building Bridges

On a late June afternoon, the sounds of nyckelharpa and violin drifted from the ASI courtyard while aromas of Swedish pastries mixed with those of Iraqi desserts like baklava and mushabak. The Iraqi American Reconciliation Project and ASI presented a summer evening of cultural exchange to celebrate the richness, diversity, and interconnectedness among Iraqi, Swedish, and Swedish-American cultures. IARP is a nonprofit founded in 2007 that builds bridges of communication, understanding, and support between Iraqis and Americans.

The evening featured Iraqi and Swedish musical performances by award-winning violinist, composer and singer Layth Sidiq and Minnesota’s own nyckelharpa player Renee Vaughan. Visitors tried their hand at games like kubb and tawleh, learned Swedish and Iraqi dances, replicated a cuneiform clay tablet, and more.

This project embodied ASI’s mission to be a gathering place for all people, celebrated the diversity of contemporary Sweden, and connect people and cultures through vibrant art experiences. “ASI is at its best when our programs build bridges, challenge assumptions, and invite conversation between people of differing backgrounds. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Iraqi American Reconciliation Project this June,” said Ingrid Nyholm-Lange, ASI’s Director of Experience. "Watch for more programs like this in the future!”

Combining the traditional dala horse with the lamassu—a winged bull with the head of a human— this impressive design was created by IARP’s Jessica Belt Saem Eldahr.

The flavor of cardamom—a Swedish staple—is also found in Iraqi tea, a delicious heavy brew served with sugar.