Cultural Exchange
In This SectionU.S. State Department programs encourage the creation of links between cultural organizations in the United States and similar institutions around the world by providing grant opportunities for cultural exchange. In the last decade, the number of exchange participants in State Department programs has fallen by more than one-third, and staffing has decreased dramatically. In meetings on the Hill and with Administration officials, the League, in partnership with the arts, cultural, and foreign affairs communities, is seeking increased funding for the State Department’s Cultural Programs Division to expand the number of citizen exchanges.
In the links below, the League provides the latest information on federal funding programs and opportunities to urge Congress to increase support for international cultural exchange.
Learn Cultural Exchange Funding Resources
November 17, 2020
Funding Opportunities – U.S. Department of State
Cultural Exchange News
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March 9, 2022
Listening to Ukraine
When Russia invaded Ukraine this winter, orchestras around the world opened their concerts by performing the Ukrainian National Anthem in support of the country. That show of solidarity, while heartening, reminds us that Ukraine’s classical composers and musical contributions are far more significant than many people realize, writes Elena Dubinets, and it’s time for that to change.
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March 1, 2022
Solidarity with Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a betrayal of humanity. In the face of this attack on an independent nation, with innocent citizens being killed, maimed, or forced to flee their homes, we may feel powerless as arts organizations to make a difference. Nonetheless, this past week the classical music world has moved swiftly to respond to unfolding events and many American orchestras have expressed their solidarity with the people of Ukraine in powerful ways.
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August 25, 2021
Update on the Afghanistan National Institute of Music
The world is sadly aware of the events in Afghanistan and of the danger faced by women, girls, journalists, and all those who helped the Americans during the war. Less visible is the danger faced in Afghanistan by musicians of all ages, and the Taliban’s history of denying the human right of access to music and music-making.
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July 8, 2016
Federal funding: your summer homework with elected officials
Given that this is an election year, the House and Senate are taking a long summer recess, which makes the prospects uncertain for the federal budget to be completed. Bills that are of importance to the orchestra community are on the move, and here is the latest on where things stand for…
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January 4, 2016
Cultural Diplomacy Opportunity: Musicians May Apply Now
Orchestra musicians interested in participating in international cultural diplomacy should take note of two application deadlines at the U.S. Department of State. The 2016-2017 season of American Music Abroad is currently accepting applications until January 24, 2016.
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July 31, 2013
Silk Road Grant Seeking RFPs for South Central Asia
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has just announced a new Request for Proposals (RFP) with a very quickly-approaching deadline of August 16th. Proposals should highlight the relationship between any combination of two or more of the following nations: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan.
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March 13, 2009
Congress Approves FY09 Increase for Educational Cultural Exchange Programs
The Educational and Cultural Exchange programs of the U.S. State Department received $538 million for FY09. While it is not clear how much of this funding might be dedicated to the grant program that supports international cultural exchanges, this represents an overall increase for the program.
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December 19, 2007
Cultural Exchange Funds Available
The Educational and Cultural Exchange programs of the U.S. State Department received a $59 million increase for FY08. While it is not clear how much of this funding might be dedicated to the grant program that supports international cultural exchanges, orchestras should take note of a current grant opportunity.
Banner: Portland Symphony Orchestra performs at Merrill Auditorium. Photo: Sarah McCullough
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