May 16, 2012
New Yorkers don't need a passport or visa to experience the culture of another nation. Independent cultural groups and outposts funded by European governments take the lead as cultural ambassadors, bringing foreign authors, artists, filmmakers and intellectuals to New York for one-off events and festivals and series, often in collaboration.
The Pen American Center partnered with New York consulates, culture centers and even the High Line to mount this year's annual World Voices Festival of International Literature, which featured 100 writers from 40 nations. Chaired by Salmon Rushie, the Pen festival has always advocated freedom of the press and pen, and was particularly relevant during this year of popular uprising in the Middle East. It took place April 25–May 1.
In a momentous signal of changing political times, the ¡Si Cuba! Festival, hosted by 14 cultural groups in New York, presents lauded Cuban artists that would not have been able to travel to the US earlier in the decade. The festival ran March 31–June 30.
Joint ventures between organizations as diverse as the Studio Museum of Harlem and the Goethe-Institut New York create opportunities to view the arts and culture from unusual perspectives.
Addressing the issue of cultural diplomacy at the Alliance for the Arts' Arts Forum at the TimesCenter on March 7 were Margaret Ayers, president of the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation (a major sponsor of the ¡Si Cuba! Festival) and Marjorie A. Ames, division chief, Cultural Programs, US Department of State, among other speakers.
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African Diaspora International Film Festival
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This annual festival presents contemporary films that shine a different light on African Diaspora life and culture regardless of the filmmaker’s race or nationality. More -
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The African Film Festival (AFF) builds an American audience for African film through an annual film festival in New York, a National Traveling Film Series, various panel discussions and a number of educational outreach and community programs. More -
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Alwan for the Arts serves the Arab, North African and Middle Eastern communities and educates the broader public by showcasing a range of cultural events. In 2003, Alwan established a center in Lower Manhattan. More -
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Americas Society (AS) is the premier forum dedicated to education, debate and dialogue about issues in Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada. Its literature, music and visual arts programs present artists from these regions. More -
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Complementing the superb art works in the museum are lectures by leading scholars and collectors in the field, musical and theatrical events and the screening of films from many Asian countries. More -
Austrian Cultural Forum New York
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With its architectural landmark building in Midtown Manhattan, the Austrian Cultural Forum New York is the cultural embassy of Austria in the United States. It hosts more than 200 free events annually and showcases Austrian contemporary art, music, literature, and academic thought in New York.
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The China Institute focuses on Chinese art, history and culture, with exhibitions and lectures on art, culture and society, periodic firsthand reports from China, a speakers' forum, Chinese-language courses, studio classes in traditional Chinese arts, concerts and children's workshops. More -
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Part of an international network of German cultural centers, the Goethe-Institut provides a schedule of exhibitions, film screenings, performances, classes and symposiums focusing on German language and culture, as well as exhibits of contemporary art. More -
French Institute Alliance Française
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The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) encourages the appreciation of French language and culture and fosters cross-cultural exchange. It offers French classes as well as cultural programming and a lending library at its 1925 Beaux-Arts building on the Upper East Side. More -
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In addition to teaching Spanish language and culture, the Instituto Cervantes has a lively calendar of cultural events that includes talks with writers, film screenings, art shows and concerts, among others. The public events are often in English and Spanish, and usually are free. More -
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The Japan Society and Japan House showcase the fine, decorative and performing arts of Japan while also offering informative talks on the island nation. Exhibitions offer works ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. More -
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Korea's culture past and present is explored here through performance and exhibition programs presented by the Korean Cultural Service, a project of the Consulate General of South Korea. More -
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This private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with individual and corporate members is dedicated solely to the promotion of greater awareness, understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea. More -
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The center is the U.S. branch of the world’s oldest international literary and human rights organization. Its World Voices Festival of International Literature in New York features scores of panel discussions and readings that bring together international authors and public audiences. More -
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Since 1954, the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute has promoted Spanish and Hispanic culture through a variety of programs, many which are free-of-charge, including exhibitions, lectures, musical performances and Spanish language classes. More -
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From its glassy, modernist tower on Park Avenue, Scandinavia House offers gallery shows, film screenings and performances relating to the diverse historical, artistic and cultural traditions of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland. More -
Swiss Institute—Contemporary Art
Manhattan
Traditional and contemporary works by Swiss artists are featured in several exhibits each year at this gallery in SoHo. The institute also offers screenings of recent Swiss films and videos, as well as dance performances and concerts. Related lectures and symposia are also presented. More