In the following two essays by Samina Quraeshi, the Henry R. Luce Professor in Family and Community at the University of Miami, Quraeshi examines the role of sacred spaces in Muslim societies.

In this section, we will continue to posting footage from the many performance and events held throughout Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas, New York City's first and largest Muslim arts festival.

Shirin Neshat is a leading contemporary artist. In her videos, films, and photographs she draws upon her Iranian heritage for inspiration and addresses the complexities of the contemporary Muslim world through visually arresting imagery. She has exhibited her works internationally at major museums, galleries, and performance halls.

Shirin Neshat is a leading contemporary artist. In her videos, films, and photographs she draws upon her Iranian heritage for inspiration and addresses the complexities of the contemporary Muslim world through visually arresting imagery. She has exhibited her works internationally at major museums, galleries, and performance halls.

Reza Aslan, an internationally acclaimed writer and scholar of religions, is a fellow at the University of Southern California’s Center on Public Diplomacy and Middle East Analyst for CBS News. He is also a featured blogger for Anderson Cooper 360.

Magic, sorcery, warriors, and tricksters came together in the vividly told stories of Dastangoi: The Adventures of Amir Hamza, bringing to life the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Muhammad’s uncle Amir Hamza.

With a voice “at once refined and deeply emotional” (The Planet, Australia), Parissa’s perfection lies in the simplicity with which she interprets the poetry of Iran's greatest wordsmiths.

Kamilya Jubran is a singer and musician, born in Israel to Palestinian parents. Elias Jubran, Kamilya's father, an instrument maker and music teacher, provided her first exposure to classical Arab music.

In His Own Words: Sardono Reflects on Diponegoro.

Read the Complete Libretto.

Iraqi-American trumpeter Amir ElSaffar is an accomplished jazz and classical trumpeter who has collaborated with various artists, including Cecil Taylor, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Vijay Iyer, and Daniel Barenboim.

Revered throughout history, poetry and prose hold an essential place in Muslim cultures. Innovative prose is celebrated today as it was in the past, with a cup of tea in hand and an ear to the nuanced sound of language.

Historically recited, sung, and discussed in tea houses, royal courts and drawing rooms, storytelling and recitation are still enjoyed in contemporary salons.

In 2002, Sulayman Al-Bassam Theatre was created as the Arabic arm of Zaoum Theatre (formed in 1996)-- an international grouping of theatre practitioners, musicians and visual artists, dedicated to the production of challenging and innovative theatre.

M.J. Akbar is a leading journalists in India and a regular commentator on Islam in both contemporary and historical contexts. He is a founder and editor of Asian Age magazine and is also a leader of the magazine Convert, which he launched in 2008. Akbar has written widely on Islam and the Muslim world.

In this exclusive footage to the private conference for Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas, organized by New York University's Center for Dialogues, festival organizers Mustapha Tlili (Center for Dialogues Founder and Director), Karen Brooks Hopkins (President of BAM), and Vishakha Desai (President of Asia Society) each address gathered participants to welcome them to the conference and consider