Cultural Diplomacy News
THE ARTS AS CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
JAZZ FROM J-Z: American Voices Jazz Program In Kuwait
John Ferguson, Executive Director- American Voices Recently, the U.S. Embassy to Kuwait and American Voices- a nonprofit organization that conducts cultural diplomacy, partnered to conduct a series of jazz programs in Kuwait as part of Jazz Appreciation Month. To promote cultural engagement, the Jazz From J-Z program featured jazz musicians CoCo York and Mike del … Continue reading
“This is what I like, we are sitting here in my gallery in former East German ground, former Russian land and I now have visitors from all over the world and the theme is peace, togetherness, freedom, anti-racism”
An Interview with Günter Schäfer, German Artist, Author of the “Vaterland” work on the East Side Gallery in Berlin “This is what I like, we are sitting here in my gallery in former East German ground, former Russian land and I now have visitors from all over the world and the theme is peace, togetherness, freedom, … Continue reading
Morocco: A Beacon of Hope and an Example to Follow in the Midst of the Arab Spring?
Panel Discussion Between ICD Advisory Board Member Cynthia Schneider and Moroccan Ambassador to Germany Omar Zniber Moderator: Mark Donfried (ICD Director) On Friday morning the Arts festival participants and distinguished guests were welcomed to the Moroccan Embassy. Ambassador Omar Zniber’s fascinating insight into Moroccan culture was complemented by an extremely thorough panel discussion… Schneider I … Continue reading
Art as Cultural Diplomacy in Europe
By Richard Brown On Friday afternoon, esteemed Advisory Board Member and former Swedish Ambassador to Germany Karl Erik Norman addressed a the ICD House of Arts and Culture. He commenced a broad and balanced debate on the validity of art as cultural diplomacy. His Excellency cited Monnet’s infamous assertion; “If I was to start this … Continue reading
Culture and Education – A Central Pillar of Foreign Policy
Werner Wendt - Director of the Cultural Department of the German Foreign Ministry In the morning of Thursday, March 22nd, Mr Werner Wendt welcomed the ICD delegation to the German Foreign Ministry, before giving a succinct overview of the ways in which his department builds bridges through outwardly promoting German culture and values. Wendt began … Continue reading
Arts, Culture, and Sport Can Help Revive and Reactivate Strength and Confidence
An Interview with Christian Kirsch, President of the International Delphic Games Council Interview conducted by Jelle Stevens and Arion Thoksakis Do you think we can teach people how to spread their wings and can sports/art help with solving this problem? Yes. It needs the will and awareness that you have wings, people lost the ability to … Continue reading
The Israel Palestine Question: Can Music Bridge the Gap?
An Interview with Aaron Shneyer, Executive Director of Heartbeat ‘New Sound Foundation’ Interview conducted by Tjasa Kenda How do you believe music works to help foster intercultural understanding? There are two levels. Musicians coming together to play music can build a deep understanding and knowledge about others’ cultures. This is the core circle of music … Continue reading
Karl Erik Normann: “Diversity is the Charm of Europe”
An Interview with Karl Eric Normann, ICD Advisory Board Member and Former Swedish Ambassador to Germany Interview conducted by Tjasa Kenda What are the benefits from promoting cultural diplomacy through the arts over more traditional forms? Why is this necessary? Cultural diplomacy would not function without the arts otherwise it would just be intercultural dialogue/soft … Continue reading
Music May Be A Fast Track to Speaking with Africa
Interview with Amer Nabeeh Trados Gerges, Director for Programs & International Festivals, Foreign Cultural Relations at the Egyptian Ministry of Culture Interview conducted by Jelle Stevens Nobody has tried to discover African culture and we all have different ideas on what that is, can cultural diplomacy or art help to portray the true picture? A lot of effort … Continue reading
Cultural Diplomacy in Taiwan Prevails over Hard Power
Interview with Dr. Tschen-Fong Wu, Deputy Representative of Taiwan to Germany Interview conducted by Jelle Stevens How can art serve as a vehicle for exchange and understanding among different cultures? Art is easier for people to understand different cultures and is the best way for people to gain a better understanding. Given Taiwan’s position, has … Continue reading
