U.S. Department of State – Art in Embassies

democracy
collection 60th anniversary | 2023

The Democracy Collection initiative will bring art diplomacy for democracy to every hemisphere through artist exchanges, traveling exhibitions, civic engagements, events at cultural institutions, and an outreach program to expand AIE's diplomatic art repository at the service of U.S. diplomats for generations to come.

On view at the
US ambassador's
residence
LUANDA, ANGOLA Karen Fitzgerald
Like Winter's tongue among the shadows

On view at the
US AMBASSADOR'S
Residence
Tegucigalpa, Honduras Andrea Myers | Skywatch

"Fabric surrounds us. It is on our bodies, in our space, and moves with us. In my work, I translate found, donated and repurposed fabrics into densely patterned fabric installations and picture planes.”

On view at the
US EMBASSY
PARAMARIBO, SURINAME crystal wagner | aqueous i and ii

"...the work has evolved from drawings of fantastical imaginary birds, to what it is today – sprawling biomorphic exotic landscapes that re-conceptualize everyday materials."

On view at the
US Consulate
Nuevo Laredo, Mexico brian paumier | act of faith

“The installation recalls the ubiquitous puestos (stalls) stationed outside cathedrals, where devotional objects and icons are sold as keepsakes. But these images are deeply autobiographical, resulting from a unique, ritualized process.”

On view at the
US Consulate
Nuevo Laredo, Mexico del harrow | Container Garden, 2018

“My work is an ongoing exploration of the possibility that a tactile physical form might contain an expansive interior, a generous space, a site for the imagination and the thinking of thoughts, both intimate and immense.”

US Embassy
Maputo
Mozambique permanent collection VIEW THE VIDEO

MULTIMEDIA AND PRESS

Golden Frieze by Sean Scully installation videoArt in Embassies artist Eva Rothschild artwork Technical Support installed […]

Fusion of Art, Cultures and DiplomacyWelcome to the house of the American people for the […]

3 Questions with Laurie TennentAn interview from Art in Embassies 3 Questions Digital Series […]

3 Questions with Stephen ZhangAn interview from Art in Embassies 3 Questions Digital Series […]

Art in Embassies (AIE), a U.S. Department of State program, creates vital cross-cultural dialogue and fosters mutual understanding through the visual arts and dynamic artist exchanges.

AIE develops and presents approximately 60 exhibitions per year and has installed over 70 permanent art collections in more than 200 of the Department’s diplomatic facilities in 189 countries.

To accomplish the mission, AIE engages over 20,000 international participants, including artists, museums, galleries, universities, and private collectors.

COLLECTIONS + EXHIBITIONS

Promoting public diplomacy and cultural understanding through the visual arts.

Since 2000, over 1,800 exhibitions and collections installed in U. S. Embassies overseas; over 700 can be viewed online.

ARTISTS

20,000 Participating artists

American and international artists build cross-cultural connections by exhibiting their art around the globe and exchanging ideas, values, and traditions.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Artists participate in cultural dialogue beyond embassy walls.

Through workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects, artists engage local communities and form enduring, cross-cultural ties.

MEDIA

Videos - News - Press

The impact of Art in Embassies and cultural diplomacy around the world.

FEATURED PROJECTS

Extending the reach of cultural diplomacy

International Artist Lecture Series, New Embassy commissions, Collaborations and Partnerships.