About

ABOUT

Meridian is a diplomatic and global leadership institution that strengthens U.S. engagement with the world and accelerates collaboration through the exchange of leaders, ideas and culture. Founded over 60 years ago as a non-partisan, non-profit organization, Meridian works with governments, the private sector and the diplomatic community to develop exchange, training, culture and convening programs to help leaders better address global challenges and opportunities.

The Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy (MCCD) is the leading center in the United States that employs the arts and culture as an effective tool of diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding. From vibrant visual art displays to film screenings, delegations and concerts, Meridian’s cultural programs aim to strengthen relationships around the world by bringing together people from diverse communities to celebrate shared interests and common values.  

MCCD’s exhibitions, in addition to our cultural exchanges ranging from murals to hip hop to theatre arts, create impactful and positive impressions of the United States that are more important than ever to bolster our country’s global engagement. These exhibitions have reached millions of people in more than 310 cities in 79 countries worldwide.  

MCCD is the U.S. Department of State’s trusted partner in reaching audiences through cultural diplomacy activities while enhancing U.S. public diplomacy efforts and national interests abroad. One of MCCD’s largest programs for the State Department is Next Level, a hip hop diplomacy exchange program managed in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, that has brought over 130 U.S. hip hop artists to 36 countries to work with over 2,300 international participants. MCCD also supports the diplomatic community and private sector through customized exchanges, cultural programs, and content development projects aimed at providing American audiences an opportunity to learn more about other cultures.  For ways to engage with this meaningful work, please visit www.meridian.org.