NEA International Arts Journalism Institute, FY2009

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The NEA Arts Journalism Institutes were launched in 2004 to improve the quality and quantity of arts coverage and criticism in specific arts disciplines. Previous institutes have provided intensive professional training for journalists who cover dance, theater, musical theater, classical music, and opera. This institute will be in the visual arts with a focus on American art of the last 150 years. This institute also introduces an international component. The NEA is collaborating with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) on an institute that will involve 20-24 journalists/media commentators. Half of the participants will be from regions such as the Middle East, the Far East, and North Africa; half from the United States. All international participants will be fluent in English, both spoken and written; will have experience as print or media journalists and/or as educators in the field of critical writing; and will be expected to offer a presentation on the visual arts of their country during the institute. The U.S. participants are expected to have substantial experience in reporting on or critiquing the visual arts. As with the other NEA Arts Journalism Institutes, this institute is designed to enhance the ability of participants to make informed critical judgments and to report with acuity on trends in the arts, thereby developing audiences for and increasing understanding and appreciation of American art. With its international component, this institute is also designed to promote cultural understanding. The participating journalists from abroad will bring knowledge, perspectives, and outlooks different from those of their American counterparts. The exchange of ideas and expertise between professional colleagues from different countries should provide an added dimension to each participant’s experience as they improve their knowledge and understanding of the excellence, vitality, and diversity of American art of the past 150 years. In addition, better informed arts coverage in both the United States and abroad should enhance readers’ understanding and appreciation of American art.

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