Research, Ideas, and Support for the Arts in a Global Society
In this China series, I began with the premise that an American orchestra’s trip to China could make an impact on both the American musicians and the Chinese audiences they performed for. In Part II, I’d like to share with you some findings to bolster that claim and some interesting data shared from our traveling […]
As spring arrives in waves of sunshine and warmer weather, we’re celebrating the activities of arts diplomacy initiatives worldwide with Arts Diplomacy Month. It may be new in title, but the idea is age-old: People using the arts to connect, to communicate, and to empower ideas. With that, Arts Diplomacy Network is here to bring […]
American Voices was selected by the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy as a “Top Ten Best Practices Organization.” AV Founder and Executive Director John Ferguson recently answered my questions regarding the nonprofit’s arts-based cultural diplomacy work abroad.
Just a quick note: musician Clay Ross shared a great video with me from his trip to London in October, so I thought I’d pass it along. Posted by US Embassy London, it shows him playing African-American music to a group of rapt schoolchildren in celebration of the UK’s Black History Month. Photo/Chico Farias
I missed the chance to meet Anu Tähemaa when she visited Los Angeles in September as part of a State Department/International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchange that gathered twenty-two international visual, performing, and literary arts professionals to explore using the arts as a platform for social change and inter-cultural understanding.
Sound advice from clarinetist and musical ambassador Marcus Eley: “Remember whatever you do or say will be perceived as a view from America. Always smile. Finally, concentrate on the one element that transcends language – music.”
A cultural diplomacy model based on collaborative creation seeks to expose and share collective values. It involves creating a space for the host culture to share its own values. It’s at least as much about listening and learning as it is about showing and teaching.
By helping youth share their voices with different cultures around the world, B.R.I.D.G.E Theatre Project aims to resolve conflict through theatre and promote peace through shared experiences.
(Photo courtesy of IVCLA.) At my first IVCLA event representing Arts Diplomacy Network, I was introduced to inspiring female entrepreneurs from around the world in an evening celebrating global connections.
