The University Diplomat program was launched in the fall of 2003 with the intent to encourage university students that were working in low-income schools or youth service programs to participate in a Paintbrush Diplomacy art exchange. With the help of Santa Clara University students volunteering in the Bay Area and studying abroad in El Salvador, this pilot program, Living Worlds, brought together low-income schools from each country to carry out an artistic and cross-cultural dialogue based around the Paintbrush Diplomacy annual theme of 2003/2004, “Freshwater and What It Means to You and Me”.

At the heart of this idea is a program dedicated to connecting underprivileged and/or marginalized communities all around the world. With the help of the university student, Paintbrush Diplomacy has been able to focus its thematic teacher’s guide (with translations and culturally relevant educational tools), and target certain schools or countries that need their voices to be heard. Furthermore, we have been able to “deepen” this cross-cultural dialogue by facilitating the usage of other types of artistic mediums including the exchange of music and video.

This year, Paintbrush Diplomacy is proud and eager to announce the continuing of the University Diplomat program. We also would like to welcome all university students and staff, to get involved with Paintbrush Diplomacy and help in our effort to connect the world through the universal language of art.

If you would like to learn more about the University Diplomat program and/or how to participate, please contact:

Ian Gardiner
University Program Coordinator iangardiner82@yahoo.com