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Feds Spending $150,000 to Put on Dance and Poetry Performances in Riyadh

State Department’s ‘cultural diplomacy’ to Saudi Arabia

Dancers enjoying Cajun music in the garden of the U.S. ambassador's residence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2009. / AP
February 4, 2015

The U.S. Department of State has committed $150,000 to provide American music, dance, and poetry performances to the citizens of Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh requested the funding last week for a nonprofit organization to organize four performances that will advance "cultural diplomacy."

"This cooperative agreement (CA) is for a multi-phased program that provides uniquely American cultural presentations (primarily, but not limited to music) to audiences in Saudi Arabia," the grant announcement read. "Touring performers are often likened to ambassadors of culture and are vital players in cultural diplomacy."

"The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh plans to host four separate events during the year that highlight various forms of American music and cultural activities," it continued. "Each event will generally involve performances in Riyadh and in the Consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran."

Nonprofit groups will have until March 6 to apply for the award, which was filed under "Investing in People in The Middle East and North Africa." The grant was announced last week.

While the State Department is primarily interested in musical performances, the award is open to poets and others.

"The awardee will carry out the following activities: Recruit four separate performing arts groups to include bands, comedians, dramatic presentations, poetry or dance that reflect the American cultural landscape," the grant said.

"These groups will be programmed by Embassy officers for performances, masters classes, and other outreach activities in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, and other locales throughout the Kingdom," it added.

The nonprofit group that ultimately receives the award will receive a budget that includes personnel, supplies, equipment, travel, per diem expenses, and "other direct costs."