2024 Culturefix Morning Conversations
Watch the 2024 Culturefix Morning Conversations
SUMMARY
On June 5, 2024, Meridian’s Culturefix Morning Conversations brought together a diverse group of thought leaders to engage in meaningful dialogues at the intersection of culture, diplomacy, and social change. The event, held at the White-Meyer House, welcomed over 150 in-person attendees, with an additional 600 joining the conversations online.
Culturefix Morning Conversations, part of Meridian’s ongoing commitment to fostering global understanding through cultural exchange, featured an impressive lineup of speakers from various sectors, including the arts, government, sports, food, and architecture. Esteemed guests included world-renowned musicians Gloria & Emilio Estefan, 2024 Venice Biennale trailblazer Jeffrey Gibson, Women’s World-Cup champion Lorrie Fair, and many others. These speakers led thought-provoking discussions on the power of food in shaping global relations, the transformative potential of public art in urban architecture, the global rise of women's sports, and the role of social activism in the contemporary art scene.
Culturefix has emerged as a pivotal platform in Meridian’s cultural diplomacy efforts - fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration on today's pressing issues. By convening cultural leaders from around the globe, Meridian underscores its commitment to bridging divides and promoting mutual respect among diverse communities, ultimately building a more interconnected and empathetic global society.
This event also marked the beginning of the Mother Earth Art Exhibition, a showcase of artworks by leading contemporary artists such as Jenny Holzer, Andrea Bowers, Maya Lin, and more at Meridian's Caffritz Gallery. Using art as a medium to address the urgency of the climate crisis, Mother Earth highlights female perspectives on the natural world and drives sustainable solutions towards change.
Conversations
Culinary Crossroads: Exploring the Intersection of Food, Culture, and Diplomacy
Culinary diplomacy has become a powerful tool for fostering understanding and building bridges between cultures. Our panel of esteemed chefs and cultural ambassadors celebrate the fascinating world of culinary diplomacy, exploring the pivotal role that chefs play in fostering diplomacy, cross-cultural understanding, and the critical role of the culinary arts in celebrating culture and identity. From the kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants to more accessible culinary experiences, chefs are not only masters of taste but also agents of diplomacy on the global stage.
Her Excellency Maguy Maccario Doyle, Ambassador of Monaco to the United States and Canada
Rose Previte, Owner, Compass Rose, Maydan, and Kirby Club
Moderator: Aba Kwawu, President, TAA Public Relations
Art, Access, and Urban Futures: Shaping Inclusive Democracies
This conversation explores the transformative potential of art and architecture in shaping inclusive, democratic, and sustainable urban futures. How can art and culture be integrated into urban planning processes to create more livable, equitable, and sustainable cities? Public art and inclusive urban development projects can serve as a reflection of democratic ideals, amplifying voices, and challenging dominant narratives. From street murals to interactive installations, our speakers explore how art in public spaces and inclusive urban development projects can inspire civic engagement, promote dialogue, and uphold democratic values of freedom, equality, and justice.
Megan Beyer, Director, Art in Embassies
Scott Kratz, Director, 11th Street Bridge Park
Alan van Capelle, Executive Director, Friends of the High Line
Moderator: Ali Rogin, Correspondent, PBS NewsHour
Game Changers: The Global Force of Women’s Sports
Women's sports have demonstrated the power to accelerate social change, empowering women, and girls across the globe. Women's sports are one of the fastest-growing sectors within the sporting world, and critical stakeholders view this as an opportunity to invest in a more inclusive future. Join the conversation as our speakers explore the challenges, opportunities, and innovations driving progress toward gender equality in sports.
Lorrie Fair, Sports Envoy and Chief Program Director, Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project
Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations, DC United
Dan Mickelson, Sports Diplomacy Chief, U.S. Department of State
Moderator: AJ Ross, Correspondent, CBS Sports
Fireside Chat with Gloria & Emilio Estefan
World renowned musicians Gloria and Emilio Estefan are widely regarded as pioneers of the Latin Music crossover genre. Join them alongside "The View" co-host Ana Navarro as they discuss the role of music in shaping increased cultural awareness and promoting global understanding.
Emilio Estefan, Music, Television, and Film Producer
Gloria Estefan, Singer, Actress, Songwriter, and Author
Moderator: Ana Navarro, Co-Host, The View
The Art of Activism
Visual artists have long wielded their creativity as a catalyst for transformation and social awareness. Our panelists of artists share their artistic journey, the motivations behind their work, and the specific issues addressed through their creative process. Join us with these esteemed artists to learn how the visual arts can influence public opinion and drive social change while fostering the foundation to address global issues that affect us all.
Elsabé Johnson Dixon, Visual Artist
Halim Flowers, Visual Artist
Jeffrey Gibson (Mississippi Choctaw/Cherokee), Visual Artist
Moderator: Ambassador Stuart Holliday, CEO, Meridian International Center
Culturefix Leadership Committee
David Adler
The Honorable Don Beyer and Megan Beyer
Nancy and Steve Crown
Ashley Davis and Joel Frushone
Elizabeth Duggal and Alain Taghipour
Stephanie Fischer and Damian Wingate
The Honorable Fred P. Hochberg and Tom Healy
Soledad and Bob Hurst
Manisha and Roy Kapani
Jonathan Keidan
The Honorable Tom Korologos
Sara and Chris Lange
Melony and Adam Lewis
Shahin Mafi
Stephanie and Mark Robinson
Mei Xu
Bernstein Family Foundation
BNY Mellon
DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities
Lugano Diamonds
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
2024 Culturefix Morning Conversations were held in partnership with the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities
Project summary
| 2024 Culturefix Morning Conversations | June 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Number of Attendees: | 750 |
| Regions: | Western Hemisphere, Europe and Eurasia |
| Impact Areas: | Cultural Diplomacy, Sports Diplomacy |
| Program Areas: | Culture |
| Partners: | Individuals/Donors, Public Sector, Private Sector |
