Present

Cultural Diplomacy in Arts and Education

Saturday & Sunday, March 27 & 28

Saturday & Sunday, April 3 & 4

Cultural Diplomacy combines statecraft with the artistic and cultural life of an organization or a nation. It is achieved through myriad exchanges, both formal and informal. In fact, governments, agencies and educational institutions often work behind the scenes to draw connections between regions and peoples. These connections enhance greater understanding and create bonds which, ideally, are meaningful and lasting.

This conference is an investigation into the meaning and nature of cultural diplomacy, both over time and in the present day. It is also an investigation into the multiple factors that lead to a more thorough understanding of the term “cultural diplomacy.” In particular, the event will focus on the roles of education and the arts, and how they are used as tools in the diplomat´s case to reach across borders. Teachers College at Columbia University and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy are working together to address these issues by inviting students, academics, critics, artists, diplomats and professionals in the field to present and discuss diverse perspectives.

The format is both lively and interactive, combining lectures, panel discussions, films, slide shows and small focus group discussions. A special event will also be presented: a live video conference featuring musical and cultural exchange between students in Sweden and the U.S.

The event takes place over two weekends: the first focuses on models of cultural diplomacy through education, and the second is dedicated to cultural diplomacy in the arts. Significant contributions from organizations and individuals who work in this area, include but are not limited to:

  • Emeritus Professor John Pick, founding professor of The Department of Arts Policy and Management, The City University London
  • Sarah Gardner, Executive Director of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies
  • Joel Meyerowitz, Internationally-renowned Photographer and US Cultural Ambassador
  • Lea Perez, Director, Office of Citizen Exchanges, State Department
  • T. Sasitharan, Artistic Director, Theater Training & Research Programme, Singapore
  • Thun-Hohenstein, Austrian Cultural Forum
  • Professor Omotayo Olinayan, Permanent Observer of the Africa Union to the UN
  • The Global Nomads Group
  • Faculty from Teachers College Columbia University's Afghan Project
  • Auburn Theological Seminary Face to Face/Faith to Faith project
  • Leah Pisar, Former Communications Director, National Security Council
  • Bond Street Theatre
  • CEC ArtsLink
  • International Studio Program
  • Arts International
  • Austrian Cultural Forum

Details

Weekend 1
Weekend 2

Saturday, March 27

10:00am-5:30pm
(Registration begins at 9:15am)
Special event: 5:30-6:30


Saturday, April 3

10:00am-6:30pm
(Registration begins at 9:15am)
Evening event: 6:30-8:00pm
Sunday, March 28
10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, April 4
10:00am-5:00pm

Place:
Teachers College Columbia University
Grace Dodge Hall 179
525 West 120th Street (Between Broadway & Amsterdam)
New York, NY 10027

For directions please see Teachers College Columbia's website.

Language: English

Further inquiries please contact:

Institute for Cultural Diplomacy

artsandeducation@culturaldiplomacy.org

Dr Ruth Bereson
Assistant Professor of Arts and Humanities
Teachers College Columbia University
bereson@tc.columbia.edu
Telephone: (212) 678 3134

 

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