Global Community for the Arts Debuts

Online, December 30, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Art of Me debuts an ambitious undertaking to construct a global online platform connecting current and aspiring artists (musicians, singers, dancers, writers, photographers, directors and more) with those who have an admiration and appreciation for the arts and their work. This platform will foster analysis, critique, and dialogue among artists and art enthusiasts. In so doing, the respective artist is not only afforded the opportunity to promote their respective works to site visitors, but also to receive feedback from other artists and those who appreciate the arts. Moreover, their work is highlighted for producers, directors and other professionals on the lookout for the next rising star.

Art of Me provides a forum as well as a live chat feature for communication among registered members, and discipline-specific sections covering art, music, film, literature, dance and theater. Site visitors may also post links to images, video, and audio, showcasing their artistic works; discuss the works of others, and respond to comments and critiques, as well as upload files directly to the site.

Project founder Kifle Ban, said he wanted to fill a tremendous void that he saw in the arts. That void being the lack of a common platform where artists, musicians, dancers, poets, writers, photographers, directors and actors may showcase their individual or group talents in one place, giving and receiving feedback, reading what art enthusiasts have to say, and perhaps collaborating on artistic initiatives.

"I believe we all have unique gifts to share with the world, and the arts, broadly defined, can enrich everyone's lives," Ban maintained. "I think the interaction of artists with one another and with those who follow the arts, will produce an engaging dialogue that will grow to be a dynamic online community. My ultimate objective is to nurture a vibrant community that may, in some way, inspire future artists to engage in the discussion and showcase their work as they hone their craft," said Ban.

Having lived in five countries and traveled to twenty-eight, Ban earned a Bachelor of Arts in Socio-Cultural Anthropology with a minor in English from the University of Virginia, followed by a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University. An avid poet and singer at heart, possibly on a professional basis in the future, Ban is currently a management consultant. Ban's affinity for cross-cultural issues has permeated his poetry and is central to the global scope of the Art of Me project. As Ban observes, "I believe the arts provide a beautiful and richly vivid platform for expression and inspiration in which, as citizens of the world, we may find that there is more that unites us than divides us."

"The global reach of the arts plays a vital role in enhancing our lives. Just look at the creative works of Bob Marley, the Beatles, Khalil Gibran, and Wole Soyinke, to see the impact their message has had on billions of people," said Ban. "I expect Art of Me will empower those who are passionate about all forms and genres of music, literature, film, art, dance and theatre to interact with one another," he said. "That should stimulate new and better ways in which those of different cultures may understand and relate to one another." He adds, "The arts both informs and transcends cultural awareness," said Nebiyu Kebede, an East Coast-based musician who comes from a talented family, including a globally recognized model in his sister, Liya Kebede. He further adds, "I can see how a composer might collaborate with a film producer to provide a movie soundtrack. Art of Me provides the platform for the intersection of the two arts to take place - a Medici Effect in essence."

From another perspective, "Artists and those who love the arts are inspired by a plethora of sources. Sometimes it is hard to predict what will inspire me. What I can do is devote my talents to sharing inspirational, revolutionary stories that reach within peoples' souls," explained DC-based actor, writer, and producer Gordon Timothy, who appeared on HBO's provocative series The Wire. "I think Art of Me is a platform that will promote exactly that."

For more information or to arrange an interview with Kifle Ban, contact Bgroup Communications at 360.223.1239 or via email at barrydbowen(at)gmail(dot)com. Kifle Ban may be contacted directly at 888.605.0459 or kifleb(at)artfme(dot)com. The web address for Art of Me is www.artfme.com

Requests to speak with the artists in this announcement may be directed to Art of Me.

Art of Me can be followed on popular social media sites including:

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-of-Me/120182821378053

Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/art_of_me

YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/ArtfMe?feature=mhum

LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/art-of-me-art-of-me/27/595/832

# # #