Bringing Olympus to the Queen Mary

A fascinating assortment of artists, activists, and organizers are gathering at the Queen Mary this weekend at the kick-off festivities for a group called World Arts Olympus, which proposes to conduct a voyage of global cultural understanding through the arts. A boat with artists and performers will sail to cities around the world and create festivals promoting self expression and cooperation through music, dance, film, poetry, and graphic arts. This weekend, there will be many films screened as well as improvisational dancers, musicians representing many ethnic backgrounds, and open poetry mike performances. Tickets to the gala awards dinner cost $125, but it is unclear how much is charged for other events.