In a vast parking lot outside Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat temples complex stands a new museum built by North Korea, part of a lucrative charm offensive by a hermit state exporting its monumental art to a handful of foreign allies. [...] “North Korea has discovered soft power, it has discovered cultural diplomacy ... they are trying to broaden the image of what North Korea is about..."

The Embassy of the United States in Ottawa and the U.S. Department of State's Office of Art in Embassies, in partnership with the National Gallery of Canada, will welcome renowned American artist Kiki Smith as the first speaker in the 2016 edition of the Contemporary Conversations series on March 31 at the Gallery. Contemporary Conversations (#artconvoAIE) invites iconic American artists to Ottawa for discussions on topics that transcend national borders, inspire critical thinking, and connect people across cultures.

Ten theater students took their education at Montclair State and extended it to Santiago, Chile over spring break. Thanks to cooperation between the Department of Theater and Dance and the Global Education Center, a handful of students enjoyed an adventure to South America for their mid-semester reprieve. In an intense week that combined sightseeing and theater workshops, a rare and valuable collaboration took place between Montclair State University and Universidad del Mayor. 

French Ambassador Yves Carmona announced in a press conference today the participation of two Nepali restaurants in the Gout de France/Good France event celebrating French gastronomy. “Diplomacy, at all times, has been more effective around a good meal accompanied with fine wines; that creates a more conducive atmosphere for tough discussion,” said Carmona. 

Companies are snapping up US film studios, which all want a piece of the mainland’s booming box office. But there is no such thing as a free lunch, warn observers. [...] The US$3.5 billion agreement [to buy Legendary Pictures]  is the largest cultural takeover by China, with American studios keen to capitalise on its burgeoning cinema market at a time when Beijing is pushing entertainment as a source of “soft power”.

The United States and Cuba are on the road to re-establishing diplomatic and cultural ties after a half-century of hostilities. [...] But the American Booksellers Association and other big players in the publishing industry are concerned that he is neglecting a major piece of business. While many cultural links between Cuba and the United States have been restored, book selling has not been. Consequently, the industry has petitioned the president to bring that to an end. 

Restaurant lovers can also indulge in their dining experiences by exploring the new line up of food kiosks and food vendors, offering visitors a multi-cultural and multinational food experience.