Global Music Diplomacy Initiative

Music: it gives voice to democratic ideals, to the powerful and the powerless, across borders and beyond barriers, and to generations of citizens – from all walks of life – worldwide.  

Since world renowned composer Aaron Copland headed to South America during World War II and the more widely known Jazz Ambassadors sang scat behind the Iron Curtain from the 1950s through early 1970s, the United States called upon American musicians and artists to use music as a diplomatic tool to promote peace and democracy. Now, the United States is elevating music even further through public-private partnerships with American companies and non-profits, to use music to meet the moment, convey American leadership globally, and create connections with people worldwide.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken performs onstage during the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative at the Department of State on September 27, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Musician Dave Grohl performs onstage during the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative at the Department of State on September 27, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Hip Hop Artist Rakim performs onstage during the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative at the Department of State on September 27, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Jazz Musician Herbie Hancock performs onstage during the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative at the Department of State on September 27, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Singer Jamie Barton performs onstage during the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative at the Department of State on September 27, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

a young girl reaching for the strings of an acoustic guitar held by a man in a white cowboy hat

a black man in a baseball cap claps while four Afghan girls play percussion instruments

two men look at a laptop while a woman watches a fourth person from out of frame reaches in to push a button on sound equipment.

black and white photo of a smiling man handing a young Vietnamese girl a tambourine as three other children holding percussion instruments watch

casually dressed musicians march down a street playing tubas, drums, and other instruments

Russia

In 2008, American Jazz group Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants participated in the Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Program tour to Chelyabinsk, Russia.

On September 27, 2023, the U.S. Department of State launched the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, which builds on existing music diplomacy efforts and delivers upon on the bipartisan Promoting Peace, Education, and Cultural Exchange (PEACE) Through Music Diplomacy Act that President Biden signed into law last year. This Act called on the Department to use public-private partnerships to support music diplomacy. In addition, at the September 27 launch, the Department announced the first Peace Through Music Award. The award recognizes and honors an American music industry professional, artist, or group, that has played an invaluable role in cross-cultural exchanges and whose musical work advances peace and mutual understanding globally.

Public Diplomacy Exchanges and Programs

American Music Abroad

Arts Envoy

Center Stage

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

NextLevel

OneBeat