MISSION STATEMENT

Inclusion. Diversity. These are more than just words for us. They are who we are: TransCultural Exchange. As an important part of our DNA, we aim to be supportive and welcoming of all people everywhere.

Incorporated in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, TransCultural Exchange’s mission is to foster a greater understanding of world cultures. We do this through large-scale, global art projects, cultural exchanges and educational programming – most notably, an International Conference on Opportunities in the Arts. And, best of all, our programs work.

Historical Overview

Since our grassroots inception in 1989, the artist collective TransCultural Exchange has worked directly with hundreds of artists, arts organizations, foundations, galleries, museums, and cultural centers in 60 countries to produce over 350 art projects, listed here. All of these have involved artists from different cultures, working across disciplines and, typically, include artist exchanges and collaborations as key components. We also provide professional development resources, new markets, and career opportunities for artists around the world through our social media, Resource web portal, talks and International Conferences on Opportunities in the Arts. In addition to serving artists, the Conferences also facilitate new partnerships and exchanges between international organizations and educational institutions, leading to increased visibility, cultural understanding and economic activity.

Hailed as one of the best things in the art world today, by the renowned artist and founder of the London Biennale David Medella, TransCultural Exchange s Conferences are the only of their kind. These Conferences bring together hundreds of international artists, residency directors, teachers, administrators, biennale organizers, cultural attachees, high level critics, curators and grant makers to network, share best practices and learn of new trends and developments. They include artist showcases, panels, round table discussions, receptions, workshops and portfolio reviews. For many young artists, the Conferences are the missing link between academia and a real world art practice. For more established artists, they are an essential forum for networking with their peers around the globe.

Acclaim

TransCultural Exchange’s nearly three-decades of service in the field of cultural exchange, across various disciplines has resulted in a large and loyal global network, ensuring the success of its projects. These efforts have earned the organization considerable acclaim, awards from institutions such as the Northeast Chapter of the International Art Critics Association (AICA), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Massachusetts Cultural Council, Asian Cultural Council, Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, Boston Foundation, Swedish Embassy, the Netherland-American Foundation and numerous consulates, among others.

In 2019, TransCultural Exchange’s book International Opportunities in the Arts was published by Vernon Press. The book is a compilation of papers presented at TransCultural Exchange’s 2018 International Conference on Opportunities in the Arts and is available for purchase here.

Accessibility

TransCultural Exchange’s website eschews many add-ons. In this way, it is more accessible to more platform levels around the globe. We also offer to make available any reasonable request to provide accommodation to our archives, programs and services. Please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.