GW students learn how their academic work contributes to cultural exchange
By Yvonne Oh, IPDGC Program Coordinator
IPDGC’s “Connecting Cultures: Cultural Diplomacy and Engagement Workshop” concluded with final presentations by GW students interested in cultural diplomacy and how this engagement brings US citizens and people from other countries closer. The workshop was a collaboration with the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design.
John Ferguson and Amr Selim, acclaimed musicians with the non-profit American Voices, shared their experiences in creating cultural programs and engagement with international audiences. American Voices is the implementing partner for the U.S. Department of State’s American Music Abroad Program and the Arts Envoy Program.
The students who come from different fields of study, had the opportunity to learn the mechanics of cultural programming as John and Amr led discussions about designing relevant cultural programs, navigating foreign environments, developing networks, and exploring different avenues for funding.
The final presentations were creative and combined cultural exchange with education, health and hygiene, and other development needs, as well as knowledge-sharing to promote equality, inclusivity, and tolerance.
Connecting Cultures: Cultural Diplomacy and Engagement Workshop aims to encourage GW students to know more about cultural diplomacy and learn how their studies and professional aspirations can contribute to U.S. global engagement.
The Walter Roberts Endowment provided support to the “Connecting Cultures: Cultural Diplomacy and Engagement Workshop”.
IPDGC Graduate Fellow Mohamad Fayaz Yourish interviewed American Voices trainer Amr Selim about international cultural programming and his own musical journey. Listen to this conversation on the Public Diplomacy Examined (PDx) podcast “Bringing People Together”.