Meridian launches new council of cultural diplomacy leaders

The Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy has launched the Cultural Diplomacy Leadership Council, a platform and network for leaders and institutions to strengthen the role of arts and culture in diplomacy around the world.

The formation of the Cultural Diplomacy Leadership Council, according to the Washington D. C.-based public diplomacy and global leadership institution, is to build on Meridian’s 60-year legacy of advancing the arts and culture as tools of diplomacy to bridge divides and connect communities around the world.

“Culture is a universal language that articulates a country’s unique heritage and artistic expression.

“Cultural diplomacy builds bridges in a unique and powerful way, and I am pleased that Meridian is strengthening US cultural diplomacy abroad while serving as a window to the world for Americans through the development of the new Meridian Cultural Diplomacy Leadership Council,” Meridian CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday said.

The organisation, in a release said, “Although Meridian Cultural Diplomacy Leadership Council members represent diverse fields, they are united with Meridian in a shared belief that culture has the transformative power to bridge divides, promote mutual understanding and shift misperceptions.”

According to the organisation, the Council will continue to expand in the months and years to come as a force multiplier to harness and amplify the impact of arts and culture in diplomacy and to reach new audiences around the world by:
“Catalyzing partnerships across borders and disciplines, including music, dance, design, film, theater, food and sports; expanding global networks and promoting connectivity with the diplomatic community; and building international capacity for cultural leaders and institutions through the exchange of ideas, best practices and resources.”

“The Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy partners with the U.S. government, private sector, and the diplomatic community on cultural diplomacy programs such as photo and visual art exhibitions, performances, film screenings and exchanges.

“During a time of rising global tensions, these programs are important to bring cultures together through shared interests, create enduring connections and dispel common misperceptions,” the organisation said.

Meridian International Center is a public diplomacy and global leadership institution that strengthens U.S. engagement with the world through the exchange of leaders, culture and ideas.

Founded nearly 60 years ago as a non-partisan, non-profit organization, Meridian works with governments, the private sector and the diplomatic community to develop exchange, training, culture and convening programs to help leaders better address the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly globalized society.