Academy for Cultural Diplomacy

Cultural Diplomacy Research

Governmental Institutions dedicated to Cultural Diplomacy

Governmental Institutions dedicated to Cultural Diplomacy

In this section, readers can find a list of Governmental Institutions dedicated to Cultural Diplomacy. 

Below you will find a List of Governmental Institutions dedicated to Cultural Diplomacy:
  • 1883

    Alliance Française (France)

    ''Spreading Awareness of French and Francophone Culture''

    The Alliance Française in Paris has been spreading French language and Francophone culture for more than a century. A private higher education establishment and recognised training body, the Alliance Française Paris lle-de-France is, above all, a not-for-profit organization (association d'utilité publique) under the French law of 1901. It has built its actions and reputation on the quality of its teaching and training programmes in a multicultural environment which promotes exchanges, respect and conviviality. Today, it is the leading cultural network worldwide, with 1,040 establishments in 136 countries on all five continents. Each year, 450,000 people, of all ages, attend Alliances Françaises to learn French and more than 6 million people participate in their cultural activities.
  • 1886

    Dante Alighieri Society (Italy)

    "Promoting Italian Language & Culture around the World"

    The sole purpose of the Dante Alighieri Society is to promote the study of the Italian language and culture throughout the world...a purpose independent of political ideologies, national or ethnic origins or religious beliefs, and that the Society is the free association of people - not just Italians - but all people everywhere who are united by their love for the Italian languages and culture and the spirit of universal humanism that these represent.
  • 1925

    Deutsche Akademische Austausch Dienst (Germany)

    "Promoting German studies and Language Abroad''

    The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest funding organization in the world supporting the international exchange of students and scholars. Since it was founded in 1925, more than 1.5 million scholars in Germany and abroad have received DAAD funding. It is a registered association and its members are German institutions of higher education and student bodies. Its activities go far beyond simply awarding grants and scholarships. The DAAD supports the internationalization of German universities, promotes German studies and the German language abroad, assists developing countries in establishing effective universities and advises decision makers on matters of cultural, education and development policy.
  • 1927

    Balassi Institute (Hungary)

    ''Spreading and Promoting Hungarian Culture Abroad''

    A national institute established to support the worldwide community of Hungarian education, the Balassi Institute plays a key role in the professional direction of cultural affairs. Similar to Germany's Goethe Institut, the United Kingdom's British Council, or Spain's Instituto Cervantes, the Balassi Institute's main objective is to project a quality-oriented image of our nation, thereby increasing Hungary's prestige in the international sphere, while strengthening and preserving all facets of Hungarian culture both within and outside of Hungary's borders. The Institute not only spreads and promotes Hungarian culture abroad, it also introduces the traditions and cultures preserved by Hungarians from outside our borders to those living in Hungary today. The Institute's uniqueness therefore lies in the content and scope of its activities, as well as the methodology used to reach its goals.
  • 1929

    Instituto Camões (Portugal)

    ''Promoting Portuguese Language & Culture Abroad''

    The Centre aims at promoting an understanding of Portugal and enhancing the prominence of the Portuguese language through the development of Portuguese Studies and develop the knowledge of Portuguese language, culture, history, politics and society. The Centre organizes interdisciplinary symposia involving Portuguese cultures, mediates protocols with Portuguese universities, promotes the exchange of professors and students and coordinates and develops Portugal -related research capabilities, building links with Portuguese organizations and institutions in education and the cultural sector. Run by the Portuguese government, a heavy emphasis is put on educational activities, particularly at university level, through the act of negotiating international exchange agreements and pushing for the integration of the Portuguese language in university curriculums worldwide.
  • 1934

    British Council (UK)

    ''Sharing and Promoting the English Language and British Culture''

    The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. We are on the ground in six continents and over 100 countries bringing international opportunity to life, every day. Each year we work with millions of people, connecting them with the United Kingdom, sharing our cultures and the UK's most attractive assets: English, the Arts, Education and our ways of living and organising society. We have over 75 years of experience doing this. In line with our Royal Charter, we aim to bring high quality English materials to every learner or teacher who wants them around the world. We work with governments to transform whole education systems to increase opportunity and employability through English. We also deliver English teaching and train teachers by radio, web and broadcast in developing and post conflict countries.
  • 1940

    The Danish Cultural Institute (Denmark)

    ''Strengthen International Understanding by Arranging Dissemination of Information about Cultural Exchange and Providing Information about Denmark''

    The philosophy of the Danish Cultural Institute Benelux is based upon a concept of culture that embraces the arts, culture and society. Through dialogue with other countries our own culture is enriched. Advances in Technological development and political changes in Europe during the past decade have vastly improved opportunities for exchange, and the challenges of globalization confirm the importance of cross-cultural activities. The institute promotes sustainable cooperation supporting projects that aim at a lasting cooperation between foreign and Danish cultural institutions, artists and other professionals.
  • 1945

    The Swedish Institute (Sweden)

    ''Promoting Sweden around the world''

    The Swedish Institute is a public agency with a staff of approximately 130 employees, with offices in Stockholm, Visby and Paris. Our commitment is to gain knowledge and understanding of different cultures, their people, and to promote Sweden and Swedish issues globally. The Swedish Institute helps Sweden reach various international goals concerning foreign policy, education, international aid and development. Our activities span over fields such as culture, society, research, higher education, business, innovation, democracy and global development. We promote interest and confidence in Sweden around the world. The SI seeks to establish cooperation and lasting relations with other countries through strategic communication and exchange in different fields. Our work with Sweden's image abroad and our activities in international development cooperation go hand in hand. The overarching goal is to create mutual relationships with other countries around the world. Our support of Swedish language instruction at foreign universities also fits into this common agenda.
  • 1951

    The Goethe Institut (Germany)

    ''Promoting German Language & Culture through International Exchange''

    The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany's cultural institution operational worldwide. We promote the study of German abroad and encourage international cultural exchange. We also foster knowledge about Germany by providing information on its culture, society and politics. Our educational and training products enable mobility in an international learning community. With our network of Goethe-Instituts, Goethe Centers, cultural societies, reading rooms and exam and language learning centers we have played a central role in the cultural and educational policies of Germany for over 60 years.
  • 1951

    The Instituto Cervantes (Spain)

    'Promoting and Teaching the Spanish Language and Disseminating Spanish Culture''

    The Instituto Cervantes is a public institution created by Spain in 1991 for the promotion and teaching of the Spanish language and for the dissemination of Spanish and Latin American culture. It is present in 86 cities in 43 countries on five continents. It has also two branches in Spain, one headquarter in Madrid and one headquarter in Alcalá de Henares. The objectives and functions of the Instituto Cervantes include: organizing general and special courses of the Spanish language and of the co-official languages in Spain; supporting the work of Hispanicists; participating in programs for the dissemination of the Spanish language; organizing activities of cultural dissemination in cooperation with other Spanish and Hispanic American agencies and entities of the host countries; and equipping the public libraries with the most advanced technological means available. According to the institute, cultural interaction between societies serves as a way to facilitate an understanding of the richness and diversity of the Spanish cultural heritage.
  • 1954

    The Austrian Cultural Forum (Austria)

    ''Promoting Cultural Exchange between Austrians and the Rest of the World''

    The Austrian Cultural Forum promotes cultural contacts between the Austria and the rest of the world by organizing events and supporting artists and projects in the fields of music, performing arts, visual arts, literature, film and science. We organize recitals, lectures, readings, film screenings, conferences and exhibitions. The program of the Cultural Forum aims at introducing and presenting Austria as a European cultural country abound in tradition and contemporary art.
  • 1961

    Istituto Italiano di Cultura (Italy)

    ''Promoting Italian Language and Culture Abroad''

    The Italian Institute of Culture fosters the cultural exchange between Italy and the rest of the world in a variety of areas, from the arts to the humanities to science. Central to the Italian Cultural Institute's mission is a constant effort to encourage the understanding and enjoyment of Italian culture by organizing and promoting cultural events in collaboration with the most prominent academic and cultural institutions. The Italian Cultural Institute focuses on the development of initiatives aimed at showcasing Italian excellence in various fields, such as science, technology, the arts and design. The development of academic exchanges, the organization and support of visual arts exhibitions, the grants for translation and publication of Italian books, the promotion of Italian studies, and the cooperation with local institutions in planning various events that focus on Italian music, dance, cinema, theater, architecture, literature, philosophy etc., are just a few examples of the Institute's initiatives.
  • 1972

    Japan Foundation (Japan)

    ''Sharing and Promoting Japanese Culture and Language with people throughout the world''

    The Japan Foundation is the first organization that specializes in international cultural exchange in Japan. By presenting diverse aspects of Japanese culture, we create platforms of communication and understanding between the peoples of the world and Japan.

    Arts and culture—such as fine arts, performing arts, literature, films, food and fashion (human exchange, youth exchange) —inspire interest in different values and virtues. They give insights into how people think, act, and communicate, and nurture mutual understanding that transcends language and stereotypes. The Japan Foundation creates opportunities for people all over the world to encounter Japanese art and culture by supporting artists, presenting works, and creating international networks.
  • 1984

    The Russian of Science and Culture (Russia)

    'Spreading and Promoting Russian Culture and Language''

    The Russian House of science and Culture is a representative of the Federal Agency of the Commonwealth of Independent States abroad. We aim to promote Russian language and enhance and encourage the appreciation of Russian culture by offering language classes and inviting famous Russian musicians, actors and writers to meet our German friends. We try to bring you a part of Russia by organizing a variety of art exhibitions, theatrical productions and viewings or Russian movies, as well as International Conferences and forums dedicated to Russian-German relations.
  • 1987

    Institut du Monde Arabe (France)

    ''Promoting Cultural Understanding between Europe and the Arab World''

    The Institut du Monde Arabe is an institute established by the Arab nations and France. The institute aims to promote a better understanding of the Arab world with respect to its language and its cultural values. The institute seeks to promote cultural exchanges, communication and cooperation between France and the Arab nations, especially in the fields of sciences and technology. The goal is thereby to contribute to the tightening of relations between the Arab world and Europe. The building in which the institute is located houses a museum of Islamic art, a library and an auditorium. The institute has managed to offer its public a very diverse program, addressing all areas of art and culture in the Arab world.

  • 1988

    Bulgarian Cultural Institute Moscow (Germany)

    "Enhancing Bulgarian-Russian Cultural Exchange"

    Bulgarian Cultural Institute in Moscow was established in 1988 having inherited the building of the former Bulgarian Embassy in the USSR. The priority goal of the Institution is to promote and sustain the friendly dialogue between Bulgaria and Russia using culture as a main tool. Bulgarian Cultural Institute provides information about the cultural and public life in Bulgaria, helps to establish cooperation between individuals and organizations of both countries as well as to promote Bulgarian culture and keep people informed about cultural events taking place in Bulgaria. In association with other organizations it works for preserving the existing traditions between countries such as a realization "Days of the Russian Culture in Bulgaria" and "Days of the Bulgarian Culture in Russia". Bulgarian Cultural Institute has been an agent of cultural diplomacy for already fifteen years.
  • 1988

    Eesti Instituut (Estonia)

    "Spreading Information about Estonian Culture and Furthering Cultural Links"

    The task of the Eesti Instituut (Estonian Institute) is to spread information about Estonian society and culture in other countries, further cultural and educational links and organize the teaching of Estonian language and culture outside Estonia.

    Over the years the institute has published dozens of information booklets and periodicals about Estonia, compiled web pages, organized festivals, exhibitions, conferences and seminars, received journalists, researchers and lectures, translators and writers, opened culture and information centers in other countries, granted scholarships, dispatched lecturers of Estonian language and culture to universities abroad and supplied the study centers with relevant material.

    The Eesti Instituut is supported from state budget via the Ministry of Culture. In introducing Estonia abroad, the Institute's long-time partner has been the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The teaching of Estonian language and culture is organized in close cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Research. The Eesti Instituut is member of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC).
  • 1991

    The Finnish Culture and Academic Institutes (Finland)

    "Promoting Cooperation between Finnish and International Cultural and Academic Organizations"

    The institute network consists of 16 cultural and academic institutes located outside of Finland as well as the Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre in Espoo, Finland. The institutes' areas of operation cover in total almost 70 countries. Thanks to the institutes, over 500 Finnish youths have acquired international work experience. The institutes' background organizations include 250 organizations from different fields of Finnish society. The Finnish cultural and academic institutes seek to promote cooperation between Finnish and international cultural and academic organizations. They are innovative and cost-efficient expert organizations that significantly raise Finland's visibility in the world.

  • 1991

    Institutul Cultural Roman (Romania)

    "Promoting Romanian Culture and Language through International Exchange''

    The institute's major goal is to increase the visibility, prestige and knowledge of Romanian values in today's world. Romania's strategic objectives are achieved through internal development actions, external political initiatives and cultural affirmation programs. Whatever the undertakings of the Romanian Cultural Institute, they represent a crucial complementary instrument for reaching these goals.

    We consider culture a complex whole which includes knowledge, convictions, arts, morality, laws, customs and techniques acquired by a community, all these organizing its life and aspirations. Therefore, we naturally include in the culture represented by the institute in Romania and abroad literature, music, visual arts, sciences - starting with the economy and law and, of course, experimental sciences - architecture, philosophy and theological reflection. By so doing, we ensure a comprehensive integration of culture by the Romanian Cultural Institute on a contemporary level.
  • 1992

    Hellenic Foundation for Culture (Greece)

    "Promoting the Hellenic Culture and Disseminating the Greek Language all over the world''

    Since its founding in 1992, the HFC has created Branches in Odessa, Alexandria and Berlin. It operates Offices with representatives in London, Vienna, Brussels and Washington. During the period 2007-2009, the HFC has founded centers of Hellenic Culture in Trieste, Belgrade, Bucharest, Tirana, Sofia and Melbourne. The Foundation offers Greek language courses, organizes cultural events, publishes books and operates lending libraries in its Branches, open to the public.

    The Hellenic Foundation for Culture is head of the Greek network of the Anna Lindh Foundation for Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and Dialogue between Cultures, and is a member of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC).
  • 1992

    Australia International Cultural Council (Australia)

    "Promoting Australia's Indigenous Art and Culture Overseas''

    The Australia International Cultural Council (AICC) is Australia's key cultural diplomacy body. Cultural diplomacy aims to engage overseas audiences through the delivery of high-quality and innovative arts and cultural promotions to increase their understanding of Australia's contemporary identity, values, interests and policies.

    Our goal is to strengthen people to people linkages through cultural exchanges, creative collaboration and reinforce Australia's standing as a stable, sophisticated, multicultural and creative nation with a rich and diverse culture.
  • 1996

    The Peres Centre for Peace (Israel)

    ''Promoting lasting peace and advancement in the Middle East by fostering tolerance, economic and technological development and cooperation''

    The Peres Center - a non-for-profit, non-governmental, non-political organization - develops and implements a wide range of projects involving thousands annually bringing together a diverse and multi-faceted spectrum of participants: Jews and Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians; old and young; women, men, children and youth; professionals and agents of change. Programs in fields such as medicine and healthcare, technology, business, agriculture, the environment, peace education, sport, the arts and more, are designed to empower the populations of this region to be actively engaged in peacebuilding in order to advance the creation of a real, effective and durable peace. By focusing on common interests, the Peres Center continues to successfully forge lasting partnerships. Barriers are broken down, fears are overcome, dialogues are conducted and friendships are formed, paving the way to a real and lasting peace between peoples.
  • 2000

    The Adam Mickiewicz Institute (Poland)

    ''Promoting Polish Culture around the World''

    The Adam Mickiewicz Institute is a state cultural institution whose task is to promote Polish culture around the world and actively participate in international cultural exchange. We promote the Polish Culture around the world and cooperate with other countries. We present both the heritage and contemporary achievements of Polish culture. Our Mission is to demonstrate Poland's role as an indispensable link in the international circulation of ideas, values and cultural goods of the highest order. The main goal of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute is to increase the value of Poland's brand as a cultural asset and boosting Poland's effectiveness and efficiency in the area of culture.
  • 2004

    The Confucius Institute (China)

    ''Promoting Chinese Language and Culture & Facilitating Cultural Exchange''

    The Confucius Institute is a non-profit making organization that aims to promote Chinese language learning and teaching and the understanding of the Chinese culture, enhance the educational and cultural cooperation between China and the world, develop the friendship between China and other countries, help to develop multicultural environment and to build up a harmonious world.
  • 2004

    The Flemish-Dutch House DeBuren (Flanders and the Netherlands)

    'Promoting the Culture of the Low Countries Abroad''

    The Flemish-Dutch House deBuren ("the neighbors") presents beauty and wisdom of the Low Countries, and offers a platform for debate about culture, science, politics and the society in Flanders, The Netherlands and Europe. It is a place where artists, journalists, academics and politicians get the opportunity to voice their thoughts. In 2004, the Flemish and the Dutch governments together took the initiative of founding the Flemish-Dutch House deBuren as a cultural institution and as a space for debate and reflection. From the heart of Brussels, deBuren offers a forum for art, culture, society and politics of the Low Countries and Europe. deBuren organizes exhibitions, encounters, debates, lectures and seminars on a wide range of topics. The activities are made for a broad audience and mainly free of charge. The audience always gets the final say. We also stimulate the virtual debate and keep a tap on topical matters via commentaries by a variety of authors and graphic columnists.
  • 2005

    Culture Ireland (Ireland)

    "Promoting Irish Arts Worldwide, Creating and Supporting Opportunities for Irish Artists and Companies"

    Culture Ireland promotes Irish art worldwide. We create opportunities for Irish artist and companies to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues. We develop platforms to present outstanding Irish work to international audiences, through showcases at key global arts events, including the Edinburgh Festivals, the Venice Biennales and special initiatives such as the Imagine Ireland initiative in the United States (2011) and Culture Connects, the Culture Program to celebrate Ireland's Presidency of the EU (2013).
  • 2005

    The Anna Lindh Foundation (Egypt)

    "Bringing People Together from Across the Mediterranean to Improve Mutual Respect between Cultures''

    Since its launch in 2005, the ALF has launched and supported action across fields impacting on mutual perceptions among people of different cultures and beliefs, as well as developing a region- wide Network of over 3000 civil society organizations. Through its action and reflection the ALF aims to contribute to the development of an Intercultural Strategy for the Euro-Mediterranean Region, providing recommendations to decision-makers and institutions and advocating for shared values.

    The main scope of the ALF is overcoming the misunderstandings and stereotypes which affect relations between and within the societies of the Region, a task which became of utmost importance in the last decade. As a contribution to the creation of a space of prosperity, coexistence and peace, the ALF works to restore trust in dialogue and bridge the gaps in mutual perceptions, as well as promoting diversity and coexistence.
  • 2007

    Institute for African Culture and International Understanding (Nigeria)

    "Preserving Africa's Cultural Heritage, Promoting and Strengthening Renaissance in African Cultures both at the Regional and International Levels''

    IACIU's aims to foster capacities and knowledge through activities that promote cultural linkages and international understanding among the peoples of Africa and the rest of the world. The Institute concentrates its action on the analysis of emerging challenges and strives to find a pathway for deploying salient elements of African culture to foster international understanding, and support dialogue among civilizations and cultures all over the world, with particular respect to issues concerning democracy and good governance. Priority is assigned to strengthening policy-oriented research and the research-policy linkages in areas of key relevance Africa such as to poverty eradication, migration, urban issues, youth, gender equality. This is done in cooperation with CODESRIA and other African research networks with interest in African cultures and the promotion of international understanding.
  • 2007

    Russkiy Mir Foundation (Russia)

    "Promoting Russian Language, Heritage and Culture''

    Russkiy Mir promotes the teaching of the Russian language within Russia and abroad - both to new learners of the language and to those who already know and love Russian and wish to recapture or maintain their fluency.

    We bring Russia's rich history to life, and showcases vibrant examples of Russian art and culture around the world. Russkiy Mir aims to reconnect the Russian community abroad with their homeland, forging new and stronger links through cultural and social programs, exchanges and assistance in relocation.
  • 2007

    Yunus Emre Institute (Turkey)

    "Promoting Turkish Language, Culture, Arts and History''

    The Yunus Emre Institute has been established in 2007 by the government of Turkey with the aim of promoting the Turkish language and culture around the world. The Yunus Emre Institute will conduct activities to establish Yunus Emre Turkish cultural centers in different countries throughout the world to promote Turkish language, culture, arts and history. On the one hand, the Yunus Emre Turkish cultural centers will be contributing to the promotion of Turkey through scientific projects, cultural activities and courses, while on the other hand, the centers also aim to strengthen friendship ties and increase the cultural exchange with other countries.

    Turkish language courses conducted at the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural centers provide services for those wishing to learn Turkish as a foreign language and also for those Turkish citizens living abroad to further develop their own language, thereby strengthening the continued cultural ties they have with Turkey.
  • 2009

    Korean Cultural Centers (South Korea)

    "Informing and Communicating the Spirit of Korean Culture"

    Since 2009, the Korean Culture and Information Service has established multiple Korean Cultural Centers around the world. The Korean Cultural Centers emphasize activities and events that contribute to an understanding of Korea and Korean culture at a deeper level. In response to the increasing demand for greater public awareness of Korean culture as well as the rise of 'Hallyu', the Korean Cultural Centers offer diverse programs that give people an opportunity to first-handedly experience Korea and Korean culture. The Korean Culture Centers utilize social networking services to introduce Korean culture and to deliver news concerning the Cultural Centers in a more effective manner. Through these services, it has been possible to reach people all over the wo
  • 2013

    DutchCulture (The Netherlands)

    "Stimulating and realizing international cultural cooperation"

    DutchCulture is a center for international cooperation. This is the new supporting organization of the Dutch international cultural policy and a merger of SICA, Trans Artists and Media DESK Netherlands.

    The objective of DutchCulture is to stimulate and realize international cultural cooperation. DutchCulture strengthens and stimulates international activities in the areas of culture, media and heritage. The organization connects, informs and advises the cultural sector, the international network of embassies, governments and civil society. The center is based in Amsterdam. DutchCulture's activities include: cultural programming of the bilateral Netherlands-Russia year 2013; informing and advising about European cultural funding programs; expertise with Artist-in- Residence programs globally; reinforcing Dutch cultural cooperation with China, Turkey and Brazil; organizing working visits for Dutch embassy staff and international experts; creating and maintaining (online) databases focusing on export of Dutch culture and cultural mappings of several countries. DutchCulture offers services to ministries and local authorities, artists and cultural organizations, embassies, the creative industries sector, civil society and the business sector.