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Dean Emeritus Charles H. Webb shares the findings of the U.S. State Department's Advisory Committee on Cultural Diplomacy.
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Dean Emeritus Charles H. Webb |
Following more than a year of work researching opinions and attitudes about the United States of America, Dean Emeritus Charles H.Webb, Colin Powell’s ex-Chief of Staff F.William Smullen III, and others on the Advisory Committee on Cultural Diplomacy to the State Department recently released their report.
The seven-member committee was asked to research and prepare a report for the State Department and Congress on how to increase the presentation overseas of American creative, visual, and performing arts. The committee was also asked to develop strategies for increasing public-private partnerships to sponsor cultural exchange programs that promote U.S. interests.
The result is a fascinating document that profiles how musicians, dancers, visual artists, theater performers, and cultural presenters can provide an alternative view of America, a view that contradicts the widely held impression of the U.S. as a militaristic and self-absorbed international superpower. The report suggests that now is the time to consider cultural diplomacy as a way to, in the words of committee member Christopher Merrill,“heal the breach with the international community.”
A few of the recommendations made by the committee:
- Increase funding and staff for cultural and public
diplomacy.
- Set aside funds for translation projects of the most
important works from this and other countries.
- Streamline visa issues, particularly for international
students.
- Revamp Al Hurra, the U.S.-funded, Arabic-speaking
television station.
- Expand international cultural exchange programs,
particularly with the Islamic world.
Click here to read the full report.
