Programs

American Voices has been at the forefront of cultural diplomacy through its work in cross-cultural engagement. Since 1993, American Voices has been conducting citizen-led cultural diplomacy as a means to foster people-to-people connections. Founded with a focus on bringing American music and culture to the recently independent nations of Central and Eastern Europe, American Voices has expanded its mission towards supporting youth through cultural and educational programs in nations emerging from conflict or isolation. In recognition of its work, the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy (USCCD) selected American Voices as a “Top Ten Best Practices Organization” in 2010. Over the years, American Voices has found that the uniquely American art forms that have emerged from the intermingling of our myriad of ethnic and folk traditions have been popular mediums for cultural engagement.

Country, Hip Hop, Broadway and Jazz are among the most effective ways we have to communicate the best of what America is as a nation to the rest of the world. We have sought to use cultural diplomacy as bridge to connect global citizenry in a unique sphere of shared cultural meaning through the arts, music, dance and theater. From Central Asia to Central America and from the Middle East to East Asia, American Voices has taken its unique brand of cultural engagement programs to nations in transition. Through our work creating a public sphere for people-to-people cultural engagement, American Voices has presented concerts, workshops and summer youth performing arts academies in 110 countries on five continents. American Voices creates a platform for cultural exchange that provides much-needed expertise and support to aspiring musicians, dancers and actors, as well as enhancing cultural understanding and communication among peoples and nations.