Rewriting the Script: Arts, Media Narratives, and Democratic Belonging

Join the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding and the Arts Administrators of Color Network for a powerful in-person gathering in New York City.

This program will spotlight ISPU’s groundbreaking study, , the first of its kind to test how portrayals of Muslims in scripted TV affect public attitudes and policy preferences.

Blending research, storytelling, and creative practice, our time together will include a research presentation, a moderated panel with artists and cultural leaders, interactive dialogue, and a pop-up installation of the exhibit.

We’ll also create space to connect through a networking mixer with refreshments provided, along with time to explore the museum and engage with the exhibit.

Together, we’ll examine how narrative harms aimed at Muslim communities ripple across communities of color—and how arts and culture can help shift public narratives toward equity, belonging, and collective liberation.

This gathering is designed for artists, cultural workers, arts administrators, educators, advocates, and anyone invested in the power of storytelling to advance solidarity and strengthen democracy. Come learn, reflect, and imagine new possibilities for narrative justice together.

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET

Location: El Museo del Barrio

Panel of Experts Includes:

• Iman Zawahry - ISF Film Programs Director and Filmmaker
• Razi Jafri- Documentary Filmmaker and Senior Editor of Visual Features at NPR
• Dr. Debbie Almontaser- CEO & Founder, Bridging Cultures Group Inc.

• 5:30 – 6:00 PM — Guest Arrival, Check-In, Exhibit Viewing & Reception(Featuring NAIMS pop-up exhibit + light hors d’oeuvres)
• 6:00 – 7:30- Formal Program
• 7:30 – 8:00 PM — Networking Mixer & Exhibit Reception

Participants will:

• Gain insight into how media narratives about American Muslims shape public perception, policy, and democratic belonging
• Gain insight into the connection between media narratives about American Muslim and other communities
• Explore the role of arts and culture in shifting harmful narratives and advancing equity
• Engage with artists and cultural leaders working at the intersection of storytelling and social change
• Build connections with peers across the arts, cultural, and advocacy sectors

This gathering is designed for artists, cultural workers, educators, policymakers, and advocates invested in the power of the arts and storytelling to advance solidarity and strengthen democracy. We’d love to have your voice and community in the room.

We are committed to accessibility. A limited number of pay-what-you-can and discounted tickets are available. Please contact us at [email protected] to request a reduced rate.

By registering for this event, you agree to receive communications from both the Arts Administrators of Color Network and the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding related to this program and future opportunities.

Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) Founded in 2002, ISPU has been at the forefront of discovering trends and opportunities that impact American Muslims for almost 20 years. ISPU is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides objective research and education about American Muslims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making.

Arts Administrators of Color Network (AAC) is a national network that supports and connects BIPOC arts administrators, artists, and cultural workers, advancing equity and leadership across the U.S. creative sector.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

El Museo del Barrio, 1230 5th Avenue, New York, United States

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