Cultural Diplomacy has existed internationally between nations for centuries, however the modern term “cultural diplomacy” has only recently been defined. Historical evidence of its practice can be seen throughout the ages in which explorers, travelers, traders, teachers and artists were considered as practical examples of “informal ambassadors” or early “cultural diplomats”. Indeed, any person who interacts with different cultures, (currently, or in the past), facilitates a form of cultural exchange. Cultural Diplomacy in its broadest sense may take place in the arts, sports, literature, music, science, business & economy and beyond.

The US based Institute for Cultural Diplomacy defines Cultural Diplomacy as:

“Cultural Diplomacy may best be described as a course of actions, which are based on and utilize the exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other aspects of culture or identity, whether to strengthen relationships, enhance socio-cultural cooperation, promote national interests and beyond; Cultural diplomacy can be practiced by either the public sector, private sector or civil society.”

 

ADMAF practices Cultural Diplomacy through the following channels:

  • The Abu Dhabi Festival.

  • Partnering with ADMAF’s international Strategic Partners (through co-productions and co-commissions)

  • Supporting Arab Artists Abroad

  • Supporting cultural and artistic forms of exchange between artists and cultural leaders from the UAE and abroad.

Rose-Marie Mousseaux, Chief Curator for Early Modern Art, Louvre Abu Dhabi

Dr. Rocio Coletes-Laspra, Museum Assistant Curator for the Ministry of Culture in Spain

Mr. Paul Clay, International Director, Manchester International Festival (MIF)

Anna Seaman, Independent Journalist (Arts and Culture – Middle East)

H.E. Dr. Hissa Al Otaiba, Ambassador of UAE in Spain highlighting the importance of Cultural Diplomacy

H.E. Ludovic Pouille, French Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates on Culture of Determination

H.E. Patrizio Fondi, Ambassador of the European Union on Cultural Determination

H E Antonio Álvarez Barthe, Ambassador of Spain to United Arab Emirates

Aurelie Dupont, Dance Director of The Paris Opera Ballet

Anita D Cosgrove, MA, JD – Executive Campaign Committee, Philanthropy Institute

H E Sulaiman Al Mazroui on Cultural Diplomacy

H.E. Nelson Chaban, Ambassador of Uruguay to the UAE highlighting the importance of Cultural Diplomacy

Ainhoa Grandes, President of MACBA highlighting the importance of Cultural Diplomacy

Celeste Schenck, President of the American University of Paris and Jonathan Shimony, Associate Professor, Art History & Fine Arts Department at the American University of Paris on cultural diplomacy

المقتني الإماراتي ومؤسس “مؤسسة بارجيل للفنون” سلطان سعود القاسمي يتحدث أهمية عن الدبلوماسية الثقافية.

H.E. Philip Parham, UK Ambassador to the UAE, highlighting the importance of Cultural Diplomacy

Interview with His Excellency Navdeep Suri, Ambassador of India to the UAE highlighting the importance of Cultural Diplomacy

H.E. Philip Parham, UK Ambassador to the UAE, highlighting the importance of Cultural Diplomacy

Alex Beard, CEO of Royal Opera House in London highlighting the importance of Cultural Diplomacy

H.E. Dr. Hissa Al Otaiba, Ambassador of UAE in Spain highlighting the importance of Cultural Diplomacy

Alex Beard, CEO of Royal Opera House in London

HE Goetz Lingenthal, Ambassador of Germany to UAE

HE Dominique Mineur, Ambassador of Belgium to UAE

Bernard de Launoit, Executive President of Queen Elisabeth Music Chape

HE Liborio Stellino, Ambassador of Italy to UAE

H.E. Dr. Hissa Al Otaiba

Brian Lott, Chief Communications Officer at Mubadala and ADMAF Board Member

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