Artistic Diplomacy

By KATE HIRSTEIN

American choreographer Bill T. Jones introduced a revolution of thought at the United Nations Headquarters last January, when he spoke on the topic of the role of modern dance in international dialogue. I attended Mr. Jones' presentation, which was sponsored by the U.S. Mission of Press and Public Diplomacy, after deciding that fresh inspiration was well worth one day of discretionary absence from school. Envisioning myself as an artist and citizen, not only this country, but of the larger world, has stimulated my work in the dance studio and beyond. The notion of sharing art as a valid form of international diplomacy deserves consideration not only from passionate students like myself, but from a more diverse audience of professionals.

Kate Hirstein (Photo by James Kriegsman)

The Merriam-Webster dictionary calls art, "The conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects," a definition allowing for the creation of ideas, emotions, and rituals whether light, dark, or controversial in character. Music, dancing, dramatic theater, and visual art speak to the senses in a language accessible by all world citizens. During his presentation at the U.N., Jones hypothesized that cultural diplomacy led by artists would strengthen relations between nations by establishing an inclusive forum of response for diverse cultural, political, religious, and social environments.

Jones' idea is not an entirely new one. Diplomatic cultural-exchange programs have proven successful for America in the past, especially during the Cold War years of intense suspicion and anxiety. The U.S. State Department sponsored foreign exhibits at U.S. museums and sent American performing artists abroad. Although this exchange program proved successful in its day, unfortunately such programs are not a part of diplomatic institutions today.

Our national condition is a complicated one, and contemporary American artworks currently express multidimensional perspectives on American culture, politics, religion, and society. As a dancer, I can recommend two examples of choreographers who boldly use dance theater to respond to their American experience. Jones's discussion at the U.N. arose from his newest creation for the stage. The piece, Blind Date, combined dance, song, video, and spoken testimonials as an artistic response to every American's emotional involvement in the war on terror, whether directly in combat or indirectly though media pervasiveness. Similarly, Paul Taylor premiered a political piece during his company's 50th season last March in New York. Taylor's work, Banquet of Vultures, presented a struggling majority helplessly suffering under the destructive rage of two powerful leaders. Like Jones, Taylor directly responded to the gruesome effects of American entanglement in war. Both works are the kind of art that should be shared with other nations through the revival of an American cultural diplomacy program. The works showcase technical skill as well as profoundly moving artistic expression. They represent a place to begin sharing American experience through art as well as welcoming the artistic expressions of other nations.

The arts are a valid form of international diplomacy.

As a powerful and respected American arts institution, Juilliard is forward-thinking, worldly, and capable of leading an artistic diplomacy movement. Juilliard students can continue to write applications for summer grants, and create nonprofit organizations that will send them beyond past School-sponsored outreach in Florida, England, Moldova, Tunisia, and South Africa. Juilliard alumni can seek out grant sources to send their quartets, dance companies, acting troupes, and orchestras out into the world as well. Alumni pursuing fields outside the performing arts can return to their roots by speaking out, writing, and financially funding artistic diplomatic efforts. Educators and administrators can more actively mentor student and professional performers, providing feedback for the best ways to share an American experience through the language of artistic forms.

I challenge my colleagues to put their passion to the test beyond theaters and concert halls. Revive activity and interest in spreading international diplomacy through artistic communication. Take a chance on changing the world by speaking the language you know so well—speak your experience through art.

Kate Hirstein earned her B.F.A. in dance from Juilliard this past May.