Embassy art : Exploring the relationship between nation branding and artistic creativity in visual diplomacy

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection between contemporary Fine art and U.S. foreign policy concerning European countries within the emerging diplomatic strategy Visual diplomacy. By studying the strategic considerations and practical measures that come into displaying contemporary and other Fine art objects at embassies, the study attempts to glean insight into the formal and informal diplomatic policies behind so called Embassy Art. Literary analysis is founded in modern philosophy, and involves the scholarly fields Nationalism and Aesthetics, along with current theoretical discourse concerning Nation branding, Foreign policy and Cultural diplomacy. The research question deals with how political and economical considerations, such as nation-branding objectives and the intra-national political climate, influence the selection of artworks and artists that are chosen to represent a nation at a foreign post. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research has been carried out through personal interviews with participants representing diplomatic, governmental and artistic professions. Key findings point to that significant cultural, economic and institutional biases exist in the treatment of artistic subject-matter within this sphere of diplomatic activity.