ORLANDO, FLA.- Over 400 guests attended the Orlando Museum of Art’s opening reception for its new exhibition, Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From. The exhibition, jointly created by Luciano Benetton's Fondazione Imago Mundi and the Aga Khan Museum, explores the impact of migration on second-generation immigrant artists. The museum worked closely with the Ismaili Council of Florida for over three years to bring this collection of vibrant works to Orlando. The project features work by 15 artists, representing 25 countries.




Florida State House Representative for District 42, Anna V. Eskamani acknowledged the exhibitions important message: “Exhibits like this tell the world who we are as Orlando. It tells the world who we are as people. That we belong. That our stories matter and that the diversity that defines where we are from is for us to define ourselves.”


Mayor Buddy Dyer recognized the diversity of Orlando as one of the city’s greatest strengths, stating “We have cultures and traditions that represent just about every country in the entire world. We want to make Orlando the most equitable and inclusive place it can be. That is why this exhibit is so important and a great fit for the Orlando Museum of Art.”

Saima Hussain, President of the Ismaili Council of Florida, urged attendees to love and believe in the exhibition, affirming “…that is how [this exhibition] is going to make a difference.”

The Mayor and Representative Eskamani also commended the staff of the museum for their efforts. In his comments, Mayor Dyer regarded the importance of the museum: “This is an important cultural institution for our community, for the City of Orlando, and I’m proud to have the Museum of Art here in our community.”

This is the first time the Orlando Museum of Art has partnered with the Ismaili Council of Florida.
 The Ismaili Council for Florida is the social governance structure for Shia Ismaili Muslims in the state of Florida. The Council seeks to develop and maintain positive meaningful relationships in society at large based on the Ismaili community’s values of service, intellectual curiosity and contribution, and civic engagement.

Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From is currently on view at the Orlando Museum of Art. The exhibition closes March 20, 2023.