Embassies As Art Institutions: Symbols of Exchange

As most embassies are not public institutions that welcome audiences of any and all backgrounds, this study looks at the objectives that various embassies have in their participation in the arts. This research discusses the various ways embassies incorporate art into their missions, the criteria referenced in programming or exhibiting art, which art forms are often programmed and/or exhibited, and who are the audiences. This thesis explores the history of diplomacy and the evolution of cultural representation through the arts as a part of embassy missions. Understanding the role of the arts in U.S. and foreign embassies reveals the power and influence of the arts as well as the diverse and similar perceptions of arts held by different countries.