Since 1998, Alwan has facilitated direct interaction between the general public and artists and scholars from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, thereby enriching cross-cultural encounters and dialogue.

In 2003, this endeavor was institutionalized by the acquisition of 501(c)3, nonprofit status, and moving into Alwan's current home, a loft-like space that lends itself to dance and music events as well as lectures.

In the spring of 1998, two friends realized that the dispersed Middle Eastern and South Asian communities needed a place to connect creatively and intellectually with others of similar backgrounds, outside the confines of academia.

Alwan frequently hosts events in its space which can be adapted for different types of programming from an open floor to row seating with a capacity of around 100 people.

Past events have ranged from debka workshop classes to political panel discussions with world-renowned professors, as well as music concerts and book signings.