Watch the 2025 Culturefix Morning Conversations
As culture plays an increasingly critical role in shaping global narratives, our Culturefix Morning Conversations on June 5, 2025, convened leading voices across the arts, sports, and government to explore how creative expression can drive social change and international understanding. As part of Meridian’s ongoing commitment to fostering global understanding through cultural exchange, this year's conversations featured a lineup of speakers across visual arts, preforming arts, sports, interior design, and government.
Culturefix is a cornerstone of Meridian’s cultural diplomacy initiatives—serving as a vital platform for cross-cultural dialogue and creative collaboration. By bringing together cultural visionaries from around the world, Meridian reaffirms its commitment to bridging divides, fostering mutual respect, and cultivating a more connected global community.
In this conversation, panelists explored how contemporary visual art serves as a powerful tool for civic engagement, cultural diplomacy, and storytelling. The panel emphasized the political and ethical weight of art, its ability to reflect and disrupt societal norms, and its evolving role in a fast-paced digital world. With a renewed focus on craft, intention, and community connection, the conversation highlighted how both artists and institutions must adapt—moving beyond aesthetics to foster dialogue, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement in an ever-changing global landscape.
Sanford Biggers, Conceptual Artist
Melissa Chiu, Director, Hirschhorn Museum of Sculpture Garden
Moderator: Geoff Bennett, PBS News
This fireside chat emphasized that interiors tell stories, convey national values, and shape first impressions in diplomatic spaces like Blair House. Participants discussed the importance of cultural respect over reinvention, the creative potential within historic preservation, and the role of design as a soft power strategy. The dialogue underscored that modern diplomatic design must be both elegant and functional, reflecting a shift toward adaptable, durable, and emotionally resonant spaces.
Mark D. Sikes, Interior Designer
Moderator: Jessica Glass, Co-founder of Atelier Verre
The chorus of Israeli and Palestinian youth used music to express complexity, grief, and a shared hope for coexistence. Through songs like Home and the original A Different Way, and personal reflections from members Amer and Yaara, the group shared how rehearsing together across divides has become an act of healing. Their presence on stage was a bold testament to the power of music to connect, humanize bring people together in the face of conflict.
Jerusalem Youth Chorus
The panel emphasized the role of the arts in fostering empathy, critical thinking, and community dialogue. They discussed how values like integrity and civic responsibility sustain arts institutions, how performing arts education cultivates future leaders, and how integrating social-emotional learning expands youth access. By blending history with creative expression, and highlighting the universal language of music, dance, and theater, the panel affirmed the arts' enduring power to connect people, transcend division, and shape a more empathetic and engaged global society.
Angela Lee Gieras, Executive Director, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Edwaard Liang, Washington Ballet Artistic Director
Paul Tetreault, Ford’s Theatre Director
Moderator: Eric Latzky, Culture Communications NY Principle
The conversation highlighted the NFL’s expanding international footprint, from games in Mexico and Europe to an upcoming match in Ireland. Panelists emphasized football’s role as a soft power tool that fosters cross-cultural understanding, builds long-term partnerships, and creates opportunities for international youth through initiatives like the International Player Pathway Program. The discussion underscored how the NFL is not only spreading American values abroad, but also redefining fandom through social media, shared experiences, and inclusive engagement—demonstrating that sport, too, is a form of diplomacy.
H.E. Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States
Efe Obada, National Football League (NFL) Free Agent
Peter O'Reilly, Executive Vice President, Club Business, Major Events & International, National Football League (NFL)
Moderator: Judy Battista, NFL.com Senior National Columnist
| 2025 Culturefix Morning Conversations | June 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Countries: | United States |
| Impact Areas: | Sports and Cultural Diplomacy |
| Program Areas: | Sports and Culture |
