Cultural Programs
Exchange Programs
For non-U.S. Participants
CenterStageSM
International performing artists in dance, music and theater develop and manage month-long tours complemented by lectures, demonstrations, classroom visits, workshops, master classes and artist-to-artist exchanges.
International Writing Program (IWP)
The International Writing Program (IWP) brings together rising and established literary stars from 120 countries to spend a semester exploring the creative writing process.
OneBeat
OneBeatSM encourages cross-cultural understanding by illustrating ways music can be used to foster positive community engagement.
For U.S. Participants
American Music Abroad
These artists represent the new generation of musical ambassadors, reaching beyond concert halls to interact with other musicians and the general public.
Biennales
The Department of State supports the official U.S. participation at select international art exhibitions called biennales.
Carnegie Hall Musical Exchange
The Carnegie Hall Musical Exchange program connects musicians and young artists from the United States, India, Indonesia and Mexico.
Museums & Community Collaborations Abroad (MCCA)
This program is designed to strengthen connections between people in the United States and abroad through museum-based exchanges.
SmARTpowerSM
Visual artists from across the United States work with communities around the world to create new works of art.
Programs that do not accept applications
American Film Program
The American Film Program showcases films that reflect American society and values, demonstrating American principles of individualism, tolerance, ethnic diversity, social responsibility, trust in the law, and the importance of faith and family.
Arts Envoy
The Arts Envoy Program shares the best of the U.S. arts community with the world to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration and to demonstrate shared values and aspirations.
The Big Read Egypt/U.S.
Egyptians and Americans deepen cultural understanding and dialogue through the shared reading of each nation's great literary treasures.
Cultural Visitors
Emerging international performing artists and arts managers take part in training, mentoring and residency experiences in the United States.
DanceMotion USASM
A series of tours by a select number of American contemporary dance companies that increase cross-cultural understanding between the United States and countries around the world.
Musical Overtures
A special musical tour that promotes mutual understanding and strengthens America’s ties with nations involved in or recovering from conflict, or facing programming challenges.
Traveling Exhibitions
The Cultural Programs Division sponsors major exhibition initiatives that promote culture around the world.
