King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as ithra, is a one-of-a-kind institution that brings together multiple offerings under one roof. From arts and culture to science and innovation, this bold initiative by Saudi Aramco promises a continuous journey of enrichment designed to energize the next knowledge economy of Saudi Arabia.

ithra aims to make a positive and tangible impact on the cultural scene by focusing on building local talents in the knowledge and creative industries. Blending iconic architectural design with advanced technology, and unique learning methods with enriching programs, ithra is an infinitely inspiring platform for explorers, learners, creators, and leaders–a thriving hub of knowledge, creativity and cross-cultural engagement.

As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strives to achieve its ambitious national development goals to transition to a knowledge-based economy, ithra acts as a bridge connecting cultures and cultivating a creative and innovative community.

Gonzo Gallery

The Gonzo Gallery in downtown Aspen presents and celebrates artwork by Hunter S. Thompson, Ralph  Steadman, Tom Benton and William Burroughs as well as local and international contemporary artists, with a special focus on printmaking. The gallery’s founder and curator, DJ Watkins, first became involved with Gonzo art through his interest in the activist art of Tom Benton. He wrote a  book on Benton, "Thomas W. Benton: Artist/Activist," which won the Colorado Book award, and he went on to  start the Gonzo Museum as interest in Tom Benton’s work grew.

While running the gallery, he came across original material from Hunter Thompson’s 1970 campaign for Sheriff of Pitkin County. Fascinated by this overlooked part of Thompson’s life, he put together his second book, Freak Power: Hunter S. Thompson’s Campaign for Sheriff. Watkins also created a 100-piece museum  show entitled, Freak Power, which premiered in the Gonzo Gallery during the summer of 2015. Through Liberty Salons, curated exhibits, and workshops, the Gonzo Gallery seeks to continue a creative intellectual  dialogue with the local and international community.

the Open Mind Project

The Open Mind Project seeks to shed light on the power and influence that religious, cultural and fundamental narratives have on human psychology, society, and environment. We provide educational  resources, including an online database of belief systems (the Faith Portal).* We promote a broadened worldview that reinforces our identity as one human race, transcending the stories that often divide us.  We connect people from different backgrounds, seeking more beneficial narratives to assist in our progression toward sustainability and equitable civilization.

Divisions between people of different backgrounds and beliefs are growing, with modern technology encouraging people to tune into websites and news networks that offer biased or one-sided information  that reinforces what they already believe, starving them of alternative points of view. They are not given tools to compassionately relate to people who see the world differently from themselves. This leads to  conflict, oppression, and ineffectiveness. The United States Congress, paralyzed by their partisanship, is one obvious example. Effective democracy depends on an informed population that can effectively dialogue with each other, despite their differences. Fractious relations exist between both people of  differing faiths, and between religious, atheist, and scientific communities. The Open Mind Project is a bridge between these groups, bringing together people of different backgrounds, offering contextual  education, providing tools for compassionate, and self-reflective communication.