Music Diplomacy through the International Visitor Leadership Program

August 11, 2023

By Juan Quintero Ramirez 

Tafa Mi-Soleil, a Haitian musical artist and participant of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), performs on stage at a musical showcase event hosted by the New Orleans Jazz Museum on July 13, 2023.  This event was one of several opportunities provided to participants to perform and engage with local musical artists.  Photo Credit: New Orleans Jazz Museum.
 

Recently, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) launched the first-ever multi-regional International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focused on the influential role music plays in promoting social justice and advancing civil society.  This IVLP connected 19 music professionals from all over the world with their American counterparts in New York City, NY; Washington, D.C.; Iowa City, IA; Cincinnati, OH; Santa Monica, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Santa Fe, NM; and New Orleans, LA.  Through their professional meetings, the participants explored innovative ways to use music to raise social awareness in civil society and among youth, and to preserve cultural heritage.

IVLP participants meet with Branden Lewis, a famous Trumpeter for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Co-Creator of the International Trumpet Mafia Collective, while in New Orleans, Louisiana. 
Photo Credit, Todd Rose.


IVLP participants meet with ECA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchanges Nicole Elkon and other ECA officials at the Department of State to discuss U.S. music diplomacy programs. Photo Credit, Amanda Kilchrist.
 

In addition, this IVLP introduced the participants to U.S. government efforts to establish and strengthen music diplomacy programs.  In Washington, D.C., the participants met with staffers from the office of Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX) to discuss the PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act.  The group also serenaded ECA Deputy Assistant Secretary Nicole Elkon and other ECA staff, then had an engaging discussion on U.S. Department of State music diplomacy programs. 

Several International Visitor Leadership Program participants perform together on stage at a musical event at The Outpost Productions, Inc, a music venue in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on July 7, 2023.
Photo Credit: Todd Rose.
 

The implementing partners for this IVLP included Meridian International Center, Global Ties Iowa, World Affairs Council – Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, Global Ties ABQ, Global Santa Fe, and Global New Orleans.  ECA thanks them for their public diplomacy efforts and plans to implement this program again next year! 

 

 

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