Levantine Cultural Center

The Markaz (literally "the center"), formerly The Levantine Cultural Center, is a nonprofit organization founded in June 2001. The center, located in West Los Angeles, champions a greater understanding of the Middle East and North Africa by presenting artistic and educational programs that bridge political and religious gaps. The Markaz fosters discussions among artists and thinkers, and offers classes and workshops that serve ethnic communities. The organization lost 501(c)(3) status on April 15, 2014, for failing to file Form 990s for three consecutive years. The Levantine Cultural Center changed its name to The Markaz at the end of June 2015.

Many Israelis and Palestinians have come to the conclusion that there is simply no violent solution to the conflict, and that only a peaceful and just negotiated settlement will bring about change in the region. With them, The Markaz supports only non-violent approaches to cross-cultural understanding.

Founded in 2001 by a group of activists, artists and business professionals, The Markaz presents artistic, educational, and outreach programs to bridge political and religious divides, and provide a greater understanding of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) regions for both the general public and the media. These programs address ethnic and cultural fears within the U.S., as well as the conflicts in the regions, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The founding board members sought to connect the disparate arts and cultural groups scattered throughout Southern California and promote a better understanding and awareness of Middle Eastern cultures in the community at large. The center has produced over 500 programs and co-produced another 75 since its inception; between 2001 and 2006 alone, the center's programs were attended by over 25,000 individuals.

According to its website and public information, there is currently no Board of Directors.

The center has a national advisory board with many prominent figures including Ammiel Alcalay, Sinan Antoon, Reza Aslan, Peter Cole, Alev Croutier, Nathalie Handal, Tom Hayden, Bana Hilal, Elias Khoury, Laila Lalami, Mark LeVine, Saree Makdisi, Heather Raffo, Ella Habiba Shohat and Sholeh Wolpé.

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