The World In Our City celebrates the diversity of our international city, an expression of cultural diplomacy that has been integral to Washington Performing Arts’ mission since our founding in 1966. In response to the international community around us, we aim to provide a window on what it means to be a citizen of the world through a unique, arts-based lens.

Now well into the 21st century, that aim is culturally and strategically crucial. Some of our most important programs focus on accentuating international cultural understanding and exchange, as well as building an educated workforce of cultural citizens. We bring this to life through performances in both formal and informal venues around Washington by spotlighting visiting and local artists and ensembles whose creative work, advocacy, and identity are grounded in connections to their homes of origin, as well as through vibrant cross-cultural collaborations.

• Through our online Home Delivery Plus 2021 performances, audiences experience a wide array of both well-known and emerging artists traveling to the US.
  
  
• Through Mars Arts D.C., we provide a platform for local artists with international heritage that have chosen the Capital region as their home.
  
  
• Through our 40+ year partnership with the D.C. Public Schools, the Embassy Adoption Program connects nearly 60 embassies and classrooms in a year of study and cultural exchange.

Pictured at right (top to bottom): Zakir Hussain,  Embassy Adoption Program students, Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández.

Map illustrates all countries engaged in WPA’s World in Our City activities in 2019/20. Check back soon for the 2020/21 map.

The World in Our City 2020/21 Events

We are thrilled that, despite limitations due to COVID-19, our Embassy Adoption Program continues online! We are working with DCPS to finalize the list of participating embassies and will share these partnerships in Fall 2020. Washington Performing Arts is excited to present the following events and 2020/21 artists and ensembles from around the world, in the digital space:

EAP Fall Teacher Training • Sep 21, 2020
EAP Diplomat Workshop • Sep 24, 2020
EAP Diplomatic Tea • Oct 22, 2020
EAP Diplomat Idea Exchange • TBA
Jonathan Acosta • TBA
EAP Spring Teacher Training • Feb 18, 2021
EAP Mini-UN Event • Jun 4, 2021
EAP End-of-Year Celebration • Jun 10, 2021

Home Delivery Plus 2021 (all streaming dates TBA):
Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández
Zakir Hussain & Masters of Percussion
Evgeny Kissin, Joshua Bell, and Steven Isserlis
Jenny Lin, piano
Schaghajegh Nosrati, piano
Sir András Schiff, piano

To learn more about The World in Our City, contact Elizabeth Racheva, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at eracheva@washingtonperformingarts.org or 202.533.1862.