The Arts Diplomacy Festival 2012 (Berlin, March 22-25) will explore how the arts can be used to change theory into practice and express, create and improve social awareness and diplomatic relations.

"The arts have a unique role in cultural diplomacy; whether visual arts, literature, film, music, dance or theatre, they have the power to transcend political and cultural barriers. The arts can appeal to universal feelings, thoughts and ideas that everyone can understand, but also can be specific to certain times, places and political climates."

The Arts Diplomacy Festival 2012 is the brainchild of Cultural Diplomacy in Practice (CDP), a department within the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy. CDP is predicated on the ICD’s philosophy that diplomacy must transcend mere discussion and include practical implementation of theory for the reason that sometimes actions speak louder than words: Cultural diplomacy must show rather than tell. Popular art forms have a unique ability to bring people from disparate backgrounds together by underscoring shared values. The Arts Diplomacy Festival intends to demonstrate the underutilized power of art and physical expression to further the cause of cultural diplomacy. The program will consist of lectures, seminars, debates and panel discussions featuring leading figures from international politics, diplomacy, academia, civil society, and the private sector. The Festival will also showcase the performances of artists, musicians and performers from all over the world and include a full day of practical workshops devoted to planning for future initiatives. The conference is open to applications from governmental and diplomatic officials, civil society practitioners, young professionals, students and scholars, private sector representatives, journalists, and other interested stakeholders from across the world. Read more about the Conference Agenda Apply for a place at the conference In conjunction with the Festival/conference, the next ACD seminar will be held in Berlin, March 19-25:  Art as Cultural Diplomacy: A Forum for Young Leaders (ACD).