The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the State Department is responsible for our nation's public diplomacy activities including international cultural exchange programs. These programs are operated by the Cultural Programs Division and the Office of Citizen Exchanges within ECA.

Through arts focused cultural exchange programs such as DanceMotion USA, Arts Envoy, and American Music Abroad, U.S. artists share the rich artistic traditions of our nation with other countries and build bridges among people of different countries, cultures, and faiths.  Ask Congress to support a budget of no less than $115 million to the Office of Citizen Exchanges for cultural exchanges.
 

Talking points: 

Policymakers agree that cultural exchange enhances international understanding and plays a role in our national security.

Cultural exchange supports U.S. industries and employment, and helps expand trading relationships with other nations and markets abroad.

• Increased funding and operational capacity for the Cultural Programs Division will strengthen exchanges and opportunities for the arts to build bridges among people of different countries, cultures, and faiths.

See the Cultural Exchange Issue Brief for more details and talking points.

Use the space provided to write a personal message to ask your lawmaker's support and tell them about the importance of artistic cultural exchanges.