Research, Ideas, and Support for the Arts in a Global Society
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.
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.”
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.
