FY 2019 Creative Arts Exchange

Cultural diplomacy enhances cross-cultural understanding and opens new avenues of dialogue and collaboration between individuals and nations. In support of U.S. Department of State foreign policy objectives, Creative Arts Exchange initiatives are arts-based, international people-to-people exchange programs. They create partnerships through artistic collaboration and professional development that enrich both the international participants and the Americans with whom they meet. Programs are implemented in close coordination with U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Eligible themes and/or artistic genres for CAE initiatives vary and are determined based on Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) strategic priorities. The goals of the CAE are to: Foster mutual understanding and deepen trust between the people of the United States and abroad to counter negative stereotypes and advance safety and security; Advance and complement U.S. foreign policy objectives; Provide unique opportunities for artistic collaboration and engagement between U.S. and foreign artists and audiences; Convey the diversity and high artistic merit of the arts in the United States and increase awareness and understanding of U.S. art, culture, values, and society among international participants and audiences; Foster opportunities for educational outreach and community engagement with diverse and under-served communities, especially youth (ages 12-25), women, and persons with disabilities; Engage participants in instructive and informative experiences in a particular art form to promote creative industries and entrepreneurship; and Create opportunities for sustaining relationships and collaborations between U.S. and international artists and institutions that endure beyond the program duration.