"Welcome to Seoul Namsan Gugakdang, where classical music is lively breathing." So reads the greeting on the Web site of one of three South Korean concert halls where the Philadelphia Orchestra will perform during its Far East tour.

Transparency and Trans-formations in Contemporary American Art, an exhibition of 23 works by 20 American artists—including Kiki Smith, Spencer Finch, Claes Oldenburg, Mark Bradford, and Jennifer Steinkamp—will be on view at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Sweden from April 16, 2010, through June 2012.

Israeli diplomats in San Francisco are promoting Israel’s thriving gay arts and culture scene as a new mode of hasbara (public diplomacy) in the Bay Area. “Out in Israel,” a monthlong festival of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) culture in Israel, is a showcase for films, art and literature during the month of April.

The Community College Summit Initiative Programme reflects a growing recognition among American government officials that the US must do a better job in its public-diplomacy outreach to those who are not members of their countries' socioeconomic elite.There were certain gaps in exchange activity

While many U.S. papers shrink, the fat, color-printed Chinese broadsheet is expanding across America and opening a one-man Portland bureau. A Chinese official praises the mainland-friendly publication and to begin repairing Portland ties frayed by a recent dust-up over Tibet.

While much social and technological advancement would suggest that America has progressed since the 1950s, there exist some contemporary parallels to a dark point in the nation’s history that may suggest otherwise.

Young Dancers in Repertory (YDR) is bringing its highly praised Celebrating Diversity Through Dance program. YDR’s Celebrating Diversity helps to promote positive cultural relations by bringing together people from different backgrounds, allowing them to understand and appreciate the traditions and contributions of other cultures.