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If it were not for the many years of arts events that had taken place in all parts of the world, and the bonding that has captured the interest of those enthusiasts who support our cause, we could not hope to tackle a project of this magnitude. ISSA has been dedicated to encouraging the arts and bringing together, through free art salons, the hearts and minds of countless people in all parts of the world. Founder and president, Robert Slaughter, was influenced originally by the great salons of Paris at the turn of the century where painters would meet to discuss their art. He started by inviting a few artists friends to meet at small cafes, later his salons would fill the space, until they had defined even larger establishments. It would finally come to the point that the locations had to be large enough not only for those attending, but also to accommodate live performances. He now tries to find interesting locations that act as a unique backdrop for each event. Therefore, no two salons are identical. The salon could include an exhibition with poetry, a dance concert, or jazz on the roof. He has had many locations, including a glass pavillion in Bangkok, a 14th century tower in Germany and a top floor of a Rockefeller building in New York. He currently has on the drawing board a traveling salon in a railroad car going from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The day-long journey will include poetry reading, modern dance down the aisle of the train car, Shakespeare and a string ensemble.
Influencing young minds, encouraging and exposing
young people to the arts is very high on his priorities. The Arts
Olympus has been instrumental in getting children into the theaters,
by capturing free tickets and making them available for kids. Programs
have also been created to acquire arts supplies which are given to
children in need of creative outlet.
In a past event, we participated in a program at the United Nations
where we were able to bring children of different ethnic backgrounds
to perform for an international audience. The applause they received
was an enriching experience that they, as well as the audience, will
remember for the rest of their lives. One successful event was to create a salon for clients in an institution that acts as a half-way house for the mentally challenged. The salon gave them not only a chance to perform, but to meet and talk with our friends in the arts, and most important, to reinforce a feeling of belonging to society. ISSA mounted an art exhibit showing their work in a prominent gallery in Soho in New York City. Each artist was given a first-class presentation. The joy and pride that it gave them could not be equalled in words. For the first time in their lives, they could invite their family and friends to a gallery showing that was in no way belittling and presented in a very prestigious manner. It is so important that the salon not only meet to socialize, but to try to make a positive difference in the lives of all those who participate. We feel that the arts are a powerful tool that can bring out the best in humankind and it is this positive energy that has the power to join the hearts and minds of people throughout the world. Arts Olympus creates the first Cultural Embassy.
Having once occupied a grand estate, with 17 acres of formal gardens, the Arts Olympus was able to create the first International Cultural Embassy. Tragically, due to problems beyond our control, we were no longer able to operate from the estate. An Embassy with no politics, the purpose of our institution was to create a platform to help embrace, educate and unify people of all ethnic backgrounds. We hosted individuals and events in the form of intellectual gatherings where people of all countries could enjoy meeting, communicating and nurturing new friendships. This help to set the platform for future negotiations that have proven quite valuable. We continue to develop our ongoing activity that brings us closer to launching the most powerful cultural institution in the world that will tour the globe, bringing a better understanding of all people and all cultures.
COPYRIGHT 2010 ARTS OLYMPUS
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The
concept of The Arts Olympus evolved through a global network that
had been formulated by the International Salon Society of the Arts
(ISSA). Years of activities in the arts have created an outstanding
track record. ISSA has been a long-time, well-established catalyst
for creating the first world cultural center.
