The Recording Academy, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, has launched the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative. This international endeavor aims to foster peace, diplomacy, and democracy through the universal language of music. It seeks to create a global music ecosystem through public-private partnerships, promoting economic equity, nurturing the creative economy, ensuring social inclusion, and enhancing educational access. Additionally, the initiative will strengthen American global connections by partnering with U.S. companies and nonprofits.
The American Music Mentorship Program is an integral part of this initiative. Developed through the partnership of the State Department and the Recording Academy, it brings international mid-career music industry professionals and artists to the U.S. for mentorship and networking opportunities. Recording Academy professionals will offer mentorship and professional development to international participants. Secretary Blinken unveiled this initiative during a celebratory event at the U.S. Department of State, featuring performances by renowned American and international artists.
Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the bipartisan PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act, championed by the Recording Academy and passed by Congress in 2022. It promotes cross-cultural exchanges and mutual understanding through music, embodying the power of music as a tool for diplomacy and global unity. The initiative also encompasses various programs worldwide, including arts envoys, music education initiatives, and collaborations with artists focusing on conflict transformation, emphasizing the transformative impact of music on a global scale.
