International arts activity
Description
D'Art 40: Supporting international arts activity – issues for national arts funding agencies
Resumen en español: El Apoyo a actividades artísticas internacionales y los retors que plantea las agencias nacionales financiadoras de las artes
Résumé en français : Soutenir l’activité artistique internationale – problèmes se posant aux organismes nationaux de financement des arts
Supporting the international activities of artists and arts organisations is a key function for many national arts funding agencies. In order to investigate this area of arts policy and identify key issues that affect the programs and priorities of such agencies, the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) conducted a worldwide survey in English, French and Spanish, the results of which have been analysed and supplemented by other research and presented in this report.
D’Art Report No. 40 describes the agencies involved in supporting international arts activities, the scope of and budgets for this support, and the range of policy objectives, priorities and evaluation processes evident in the research. The report also details a wide range of issues identified by arts funding agencies.
This report was researched and written by independent cultural research consultant, Judith Staines. Lisa Cahill, IFACCA’s former Research and Project Manager, collected and compiled the main survey responses and made a preliminary analysis.
Publications
Europe's Foreign Cultural Relations
Cultural relations are the glue that holds alliances together. The geopolitics of the 21st century
mean we need to see a revival of cultural diplomacy.
more >
The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2010 - Participant Papers
The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2010: Culture, Globalization, and International Relations over the next Two Decades - participant papers and interviews. more >
Cultural Diplomacy - Interarts' resource list
In the framework of preparations for the international seminar 'Cultural Diplomacy: a Perspective from Catalonia', which took place in Barcelona on 2-4 December 2009, a series of documents related to this topic was collected. more >
The Arts of Democracy: Art, Public Culture, and the State
This volume illuminates the often contradictory impulses that have shaped the historical intersection of the arts, public culture, and the state in modern America. more >
Lying Abroad: A Critical Study of Cultural Diplomacy
Examines the nature of cultural diplomacy and draws from a conference on cultural diplomacy. more >
Australia's public diplomacy: building our image
Report of the Inquiry into the nature and conduct of Australia's public diplomacy. more >
Cultural Diplomacy
Argues that culture has a vital role to play in international relations, but that culture should not be used as a tool of public diplomacy; the value of cultural activity comes precisely from its independence. more >
News
Conaculta organizes the 2nd Iberoamerican Meeting of Cultural Diplomacy
On 7-8 May, CONACULTA organized the 2nd Iberoamerican Meeting of Cultural Diplomacy including a panel on International Relations of Cultural Councils, Ministries, Secreteries and Institutions in Iberoamerica organized by the Iberoamerican Secretary General (SEGIB). more >
Smart Power & Postmodern Art
It’s the latest strategic move from the State Department: smART Power. A two-year, $1 million pilot program, smART Power will field a different kind of American “diplomat” — a cadre of élite artists. more >
Government to open cultural centers abroad
As part of its international cultural diplomacy, Indonesia will open cultural centers abroad, with Japan and the Netherlands already on the list. more >
UNESCO commends the distinctive role of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage on Arab and international levels
On the eve of the general conference of UNESCO for 2011, which kicked off in Paris, HE Mrs. Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UNESCO, received at the organization's headquarters in Paris on Sunday HE Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Advisor of Culture and Heritage in the Court of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH). more >
Pop culture the new soft power tool in East Asia diplomacy
Countries in East Asia are increasingly looking to pop culture, as an instrument of "soft power". And the "soft power" competition is alive and well in East Asia, with not just financial returns at stake, but also as a positive influence in the attitudes of target or importing countries. more >
Cultural diplomacy on Main St. in America
The US State Department, which has long sent American artists abroad as part of its cultural diplomacy efforts, is for the first time launching a sizable program to bring foreign performers here - an initiative administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts. more >
'Ooga-booga' dancing not on, says Bangarra
It's shows are one of the most recognisable expressions of Australian indigenous culture, and the company is often called on to wave the flag at international events. more >
Repositioning Bangladesh using soft power
But what is soft power? Soft power is the ability to get what you want, through attraction rather than coercion. It arises from the attractiveness of a country's culture, political ideals and policies. more >
Creativity and Culture Shock
Cultural exchange fosters understanding beyond national and linguistic borders. The latest issue of Passages is dedicated to international cultural work and the motivation behind it. more >
'Digital diplomacy' to open access to Europe's culture
The European Union should make its diverse cultural content more accessible to people around the world via increased investment in cultural and, in particular, digital diplomacy, says Dutch liberal MEP Marietje Schaake. more >
Call for stronger cultural diplomacy and more support for creative industries
The EU needs to add more culture to its diplomatic efforts to promote human rights, democracy and development in third countries, says a resolution passed by Parliament on Thursday. more >
First national foreign cultural action plan
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Trinidad Jiménez, and the Minister of Culture, Ángeles González-Sinde, are presenting the National External Cultural Action Plan today in the Cervantes Institute. It is the first strategic project to be promoted internationally and jointly by the public administration and the cultural and creative industries in Spain. more >
Korean cultural centers need to identify local demand: minister
Korean Culture and Information Service’s Korean culture centers promoting Korean studies, culture and arts around the world need to know exactly what kind of information and content local visitors want, Culture Minister Choung Byoung-gug said in a meeting with Korean cultural center heads in Sydney, Australia. more >
China’s Soft Power
The Diplomat speaks with Joshua Kurlantzick, author of ‘Charm Offensive: How China's Soft Power Is Transforming the World’, about Chinese soft power diplomacy. more >
Why the world stage is so important today for Australian dance?
Until the 1970’s, many successful Australian dancers just packed up and left for Europe. For most, this was a permanent move – there was little zipping back and forth between the hemispheres – for most, a choice had to be made. more >
New Research Network on Cultural Relations and Diplomacy
The members of this list share information on and discuss issues related to international cultural relations across disciplines. more >
Korea urged to promote culture more subtly
Non-Korean and Korean culture experts, including directors of foreign cultural centers in Seoul, professors and foreign correspondents, advised the Korean government to promote its culture in a more smart and subtle way. more >
Culture and education - priority areas of German foreign policy
Alongside political and economic relations, foreign cultural and education policy is an important pillar of Germany's foreign policy. This is a way of reaching people in other countries. more >
Ireland to Fund Cultural Programs in U.S.
The government of Ireland is set to fund a $5.3 million initiative to support a vast array of arts programming in the U.S. during 2011, the country's minister of culture is set to announce Friday in New York. more >
Cultural diplomacy: To sell European culture and values globally
The objective of culture is no longer only to create art or literature. "Cultural Diplomacy" is increasingly being used as a vehicle to promote liberal democratic values and to foster "democracy and participation", says Dutch Liberal member Marietje Schaake (ALDE), who last week presented her report on cultural diplomacy. more >
Artists to lead on Wales' profile in the world
As part of the new Wales Arts International website launched this week, the international calendar is a pilot project to provide greater visibility and awareness of Wales’ arts and culture. more >
Cultural Diplomacy: Strategies and Policies
A protocol will be signed which aims to rethink public policies models and promote and define more effective cultural policies with greater projection in an international framework. more >
Plan to boost intercultural dialogue in Mediterranean
Some 41 Foreign Ministers and ambassadors from European and Arab countries meeting in Malta agreed on a plan to enhance intercultural dialogue around the Mediterranean. more >
US to Send New Cultural Ambassadors
The Obama Administration has announced a new $1 million dollar program which expands the existing State Department cultural diplomacy program to include visual artists like painters and sculptors. In the past, the Department has sent many performing artists to act as American cultural ambassadors. more >
Dancers Leap Over U.S - Cuba Political Barriers
In Cuba, American artists and musicians are going where tourists and politicians cannot. In October, trumpet legend Wynton Marsalis came to Havana with members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. And last week, the American Ballet Theater was in town for the first time in 50 years. more >
U.S. to Send Visual Artists as Cultural Ambassadors
Under a new $1 million program being announced this week, the Obama administration is planning to expand its cultural diplomacy programs to include visual artists like painters and sculptors, who will be asked next year to create public art projects in 15 foreign countries. more >
Polish cultural diplomacy
In an exclusive interview for the English Service of Polish Radio, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski talks about the Chopin Year 2010 and the cultural component of Poland’s presidency in the European Union in the second half of next year. more >
International Cultural Engagement Taskforce
The Task Force will examine existing and proposed new international cultural diplomacy engagements that help enhance mutual understanding, respect, and trust. These include partnerships and collaborations among individuals and organizations in the U.S. and abroad, in the fields of dance; design; folk arts; humanistic study and publication; film, television and digital arts; literature; music; opera; music-theater; theater; and the visual arts; and the presenters, exhibitors, and networks of these artistic and humanistic endeavors. A special effort will be made to showcase best practices in these areas, including, in particular, connections and collaborations among local and regional citizen activities and established national and international programs that are working to improve mutual understanding, respect, and trust. more >
Cultural diplomacy potent instrument in foreign policy: Prez
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today said cultural diplomacy was a potent instrument in the country's foreign policy and the country's traditions must be preserved. more >
Cultural diplomacy best wins hearts, minds
Earlier this year at the National People's Congress, Premier Wen Jiabao stated in his government work report that China will attach more importance to cultural development to enhance the international influence of Chinese culture. more >
Cultural diplomacy best wins hearts, minds
Earlier this year at the National People's Congress, Premier Wen Jiabao stated in his government work report that China will attach more importance to cultural development to enhance the international influence of Chinese culture. more >
Turkey goes global as cultural outreach follows foreign policy forays
A new Turkish cultural center joins airline flights and radio and television broadcasts in expanding the country's reach around the globe, with a UK office on the way and more planned for Moscow and Damascus. Experts say such 'public diplomacy' efforts complement Ankara's ambitious foreign policy by helping present Turkey's changing image to the world. more >
Full Video: The ABC's Mark Scott on cultural diplomacy
Mark Scott, Managing Director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has highlighted that public broadcasting is the most efficient and effective way of presenting Australia’s culture and institutions across the region, in a speech for Asialink-Asia Society AustralAsia Centre. more >
Expediting cultural diplomacy - artist visas get more streamlined
Even though "there are plenty of artists who work in the United States who come in and come out on tourist visas," the notoriously inefficient process of obtaining artists' work visas may become more streamlined. more >
Jamming for Uncle Sam: Getting the Best From Cultural Diplomacy
Recent years have seen a welcome resurgence in U.S. Cultural Diplomacy, which after honorable service in the Cold War, sailed into the doldrums in the mid-1990s. Today, the State Department is reaching out to foreign publics in partnership with major private sector partners including Jazz at the Lincoln Center and the Brooklyn Academy of Music as well as maintaining its own program of visits, exhibitions and tours. more >
U.S. Pledges To Speed Up Visa Process For Artists
Addressing years of complaints about slow and inconsistent processing of visa applications for foreign performing artists, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services told arts groups this week that it was making an effort to speed up and improve its visa operations. more >
France/Institut français/cultural diplomacy
A few days ago Parliament adopted the Act creating the Institut français, the agency which from now on will be the hallmark of our cultural diplomacy in the world. This is part of a sweeping reform of our “diplomacy of influence”, the most important carried out in France for decades. more >
U.S. Diplomacy: Hitting the Right Notes
The State Department's Rhythm Road Program Sends Musical Ambassadors to the World, Conveying American Values With a Beat. more >
Vietnam culture, tourism festival promoted in Japan
General Secretary of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association, Motoyoshi Ryokichi told a Tokyo-based Vietnam News Agency correspondent that he was very impressed by the festival, saying that it not only helps promote cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between the two countries, but also fosters bilateral political, economic, trade and investment relations. more >
America's Musical Ambassadors
"This administration is really committed to using smart diplomacy—using all the tools available in reaching people at all different levels. Music enables us to connect with other cultures. It's something that transcends religion and politics and other things that might otherwise divide us." While the program aims to include a diversity of music styles, Ms. Pally says it is equally important to select artists who are suited for cross-cultural diplomacy and passionate about teaching—as well as performing—American music. more >
America as a shopping mall? US cultural diplomacy in the age of Obama.
With a disastrous oil spill in the Gulf, an uncertain economy, and a war in Afghanistan, cultural diplomacy may not be, understandingly, the first thing on most Americans' minds. But, during the last U.S. presidential campaign, the Obama-Biden team announced that if elected, it would "expand cultural and arts exchanges throughout the world." more >
Launched: the international activities website
The new website international activities offers a geographic overview of all the presentations financed by the Mondriaan Foundation over the past few years, people who have been invited within the context of the visitors’ programme and countries that have been visited during the orientation trips. more >
Milestones in 2009 cultural diplomacy
The year of cultural diplomacy 2009 was deployed strongly and comprehensively, contributing greatly to the foreign relations programme set out by the Party and State. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem wrote these comments in an article entitled “Milestones in the Year of Cultural Diplomacy 2009.” more >
Cultural diplomacy activities reviewed
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) held a meeting in Hanoi on January 22 to review the past year of cultural diplomacy and devise tasks for 2010. more >
The Fine Art Of Diplomacy
The lack of Australian cultural diplomacy in China has ramifications which reach far beyond the cultural sector. more >
British Council and Arts Council England sign new Memorandum of Understanding
On 10 December 2009, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the British Council and Arts Council England. more >
How Helpful Is Cultural Diplomacy?
While other countries have been active exporters of their arts -- China and Great Britain come to mind -- the United States government has been reticent to invest in this form of diplomacy. more >
Call to involve art in diplomacy
The re-alignment of America's foreign policy according to the country's traditional values will be one of the prime responsibilities of the new US President. more >
The arts belong in foreign policy
Cultural exchange is an aspect of diplomacy. It helps spread good feelings about Canada, and is good for business, trade, tourism and immigration. more >
The Royal Ballet’s Asian tour is a great lesson in cultural diplomacy
Did an orchestra lure North Korea to the negotiating table? more >
Culture as an outpost for diplomacy
Culture as an "instrument for political dialogue and soft diplomacy" to promote the Italian system will be the leading edge of the foreign ministry's General directorate for cultural promotion and cooperation set up by minister Franco Frattini. more >
Regional Funds for the Promotion of Cooperation and Cultural Exchanges in West Africa
The Regional Funds for the Promotion of Cooperation and Cultural Exchanges in West Africa has launched its program to support the development of exchanges, networks and cooperation between the cultural actors of countries within the region. more >
Cultural Diplomacy
Over the last 18 months of government, the cultural diplomacy action promised by the Ministry has intensified. more >
Another Movement of Musical Diplomacy
If North Korea keeps its promises, potentially millions of its isolated, tightly controlled citizens are likely to hear their national anthem played on the radio by the New York Philharmonic. more >
Comics bridge cultural gaps
Comics and animation, as mediums for the exchange of cultural ideas and norms that facilitate understanding, seem to be fitting formats for innovative public diplomacy initiatives. more >
Call for Participation in International Exchange and Programming Survey
Have you or your organization been engaged in cultural exchange and/or international programming? Have you been interested in doing so but not sure how to start? A major research project on U.S. based cultural exchange and cultural diplomacy is asking you to complete an online survey. more >
Geopolitics, ‘Soft Power’ and Popular Culture in the Middle East
Papers are solicited for a special issue of the Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication on geopolitics, ‘soft power, and popular culture in the Middle East. more >
Public Diplomacy
Doug Wilson calls for a return to the successful U.S.I.A. strategy of libraries and cultural centers. more >
New International Initiative: Museums & Community Collaborations Abroad
The American Association of Museums (AAM) is pleased to announce a new partnership in cultural diplomacy with the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), called Museums & Community Collaborations Abroad (MCCA). more >
Japan to promote diplomacy with pop culture
Japanese manga, animation and music, with their growing global popularity, will be used as new ways to promote Japan's diplomacy, local media reported Monday. more >
Art as diplomacy
The appointment of Karen Hughes, one of President Bush's closest advisers, as undersecretary of state for public diplomacy signals the administration's recognition of the importance of repairing America's image around the globe, especially in the Arab world. more >
Report Recommends Japan Focus on Pop Culture, Martial Arts
The Council on the Promotion of Cultural Diplomacy, established in December last year by Prime Minister Koizumi to advise on how Japanese culture should be promoted overseas, has compiled and delivered its initial report. more >
British Museum would rather export cultural diplomacy than return artefacts - MacGregor
The British Museum would rather export cultural diplomacy than return artefacts taken from countries around the world, its Director, Neil MacGregor, has said. more >
Koizumi Launches New Council to Advise on Cultural Diplomacy
In early December 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi announced the establishment of the Council on the Promotion of Cultural Diplomacy. more >
Cultural exchanges down since Sept. 11
A new study, "Cultural Diplomacy: Recommendations and Research," concludes that U.S. cultural diplomacy - the notion that by exporting American artists, we burnish our image around the world - has become a neglected facet of foreign and domestic policy. more >
How to reinvigorate US public diplomacy
The US government is losing its voice before foreign audiences and needs to get it back. The US Information Agency and international broadcasting efforts, such as the Voice of America, have been neglected since the end of the Cold War. more >
Events
Public and Private Cultural Exchange-Based Diplomacy: New Models for the 21st Century
At the onset of the 21st century, cultural diplomacy is encountering new challenges as policymakers,
artists, and cultural leaders adapt to a rapidly changing global environment.
more >
The Language of Art & Music: "A Three Piece Puzzle: The Relationship between Culture, International Relations and Globalization"
"A Three Piece Puzzle" is an international Conference taking place in London from August 25th - 29th, 2011 to explore the relationship between culture, international relations, and globalization through a program of workshops, lectures & discussions, debates, film screenings, art exhibitions, performances and cultural activities. more >
EUNIC and cultural diplomacy of the smaller states
A seminar for those engaged in cultural diplomacy and the cultural sector, from government officials/representatives to art ists. Seminar will explain how EUNIC (The network of European Union National Institutes for Culture, www.eunic-online.eu) members develop common projects or develop new initiatives. more >
The Language of Art and Music: "An International Symposium on the Potential for Artistic Expression to Cross Cultural Barriers and the Relationship between Art, Culture, and International Relations"
"The Language of Art and Music" is an international symposium taking place in Berlin from 17th – 20th February 2011 to explore the potential for art and music to provide a neutral platform for cultural exchange. more >
2010 Cultural Diplomacy Conference: "Cultural Diplomacy as a Listening Project?"
Hosted by the International Communication Program of American University’s School of International Service, this 1-day conference takes place Monday, November 8th (12:00pm to 4:30pm) on the AU campus and asks us to consider the extent to which, and how, cultural diplomacy might be a “listening project.” more >
Joining the dots | Conference on sustainable international arts policies
On October 25-26th, different supporting institutions for the arts in Flanders will organize a two-day conference on sustainable international arts policies in the context of the Belgian EU presidency. more >
2010 Aspen Cultural Diplomacy Forum
The Aspen Institute along with The Phillips Collection and the NYU John Brademas Center for the Study of Congress presents the 2010 Aspen Cultural Diplomacy Forum, which will focus on "How should the United States use culture both to communicate and listen to other nations?" more >
Arts as Cultural Diplomacy: A Forum for Young Leaders
Arts have a unique role in cultural diplomacy; Whether visual arts, literature, film, music, dance or theatre they have the power to transcend political borders and cultural barriers. The arts can appeal to universal feelings, thoughts and ideas that everyone can understand, but also can be specific to certain times, places and political climates. more >
Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders
The network conducts ongoing activity aimed at supporting development and strengthening relations between different countries and cultural groups within Africa, and between African and external partners. more >
The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2010
The International Symposium 2010 will explore the challenges that lie ahead and the complex relationship between culture, international relations, and globalization over the next two decades. more >
The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2010: Culture, Globalization and International Relations over the next Two Decades
This international symposium is organized by the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin in the framework of 2010, International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures. It is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fields of international relations and cultural studies. more >
Cultural Diplomacy Conference: “Redefining The Role Of Culture In The 21st Century”
The conference seeks to open opportunities for the Department to share ideas and exchange knowledge with prominent thinkers on Cultural Diplomacy and further interact and debate with local and international experts to benchmark best practices with a view to formulate a National Policy that will guide South Africa’s international cultural engagement. more >
From Cultural diplomacy to cultural co-operation?
During this debate Rod Fisher will share his research on an analyse of whether there was evidence of a paradigm shift in EU Member States cultural relations with third countries away from traditional cultural diplomacy policies to more strategically focused international cultural co-operation (i.e. policies that were less encumbered by foreign policy agendas). more >
International Seminar on Cultural Diplomacy
The Ministry of Culture and the Media and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Government of Catalonia, in cooperation with Interarts, are organising an international seminar entitled ‘Cultural Diplomacy: a Perspective from Catalonia’. more >
Aspen Cultural Diplomacy Forum 2009
Over 200 of today’s and tomorrow’s leaders are expected to meet for dialogue and to discuss critical issues related to the theme “culture and security”. more >
The role of soft power in the international environment
The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2009 will bring together a diverse group of participants from across the world for a weeklong program of lectures, panel discussions and social events that will look at the role of soft power in contemporary international relations. more >
Cultural Diplomacy and Culture in a Changing World
The concept of ‘soft’ power has shaped a lot of international political and diplomatic thinking in recent years. The purpose of this international forum is to re-examine cultural diplomacy and in particular the place of culture in international relations. more >
Symposium on the Role of Arts and Culture in Canadian Public Diplomacy
The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) invites everyone interested in cultural diplomacy issues to its Symposium on the Role of Arts and Culture in Canadian Public Diplomacy. more >
The international who's who in cultural policy, planning and research >