Capital Fall Chronicles: Embassy and Cultural Events

Event Highlight: Marmo | Marble: Carving the Future (September 8^th )

Born out of a partnership between the Dupont Underground and the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC), this art exhibit highlights the deep links between Italian culture, land, creativity, and the quality in shaping distinctive products. Marble has been used throughout the history of humanity in building some of the world’s most iconic sculptures and buildings. As a versatile substance, marble comes in different forms depending on its physical makeup.

The exhibit was held throughout the Dupont Underground in a darkened state with no lights being turned on. This was due to the multimedia displays present that showed a technological journey underscoring the connection between business and art. LED screens showed futuristic renditions of locations in Italy on a rotating map to laboratory analysis screens of the marble itself.

Interplaced throughout the exhibit lay a few sculptures illustrating different forms of marble with unique characteristics. One form of marble was soft enough to create patterns in the rock and was more suited to creating eloquent shapes. At the end of the exhibit, one could see the different forms of marble illuminated with lights and read about each time period they represented.

Thank you to the IIC and Dupont Underground for inviting us to the grand opening of the exhibit. It runs from September 8th to October 8th, so go see it while you can.

Cultural Center Dive: Mexican Cultural Institute (MCI)

The MCI was established in 1990 in the heart of the DC area and is committed to enriching the cultural relationship between Mexico and the United States. They accomplish this through the sharing of Mexico’s cultural past and present with the local community through their programs including art exhibits and performances. The MCI has also worked with other institutions in DC including the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, and the Library of Congress to promote events in their respective niche.

Arguably, the MCI has one of the most beautiful interiors of any building in the nation’s capital. Designated as a historic site in 2012, the Mansion that the MCI sits in has a long heritage dating back to 1910. It was designed by the prestigious architect Nathan Wyeth who also worked on the West Wing of The White House. Built during the Taft Administration, the building hosted celebrities of the time along with visiting dignitaries including King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium during their visit to DC.

The MCI exists to encourage artistic dialogue between Mexico and the United States, provide education for the arts, and to present Mexico as a diverse and creative culture.

You can check out the MCI here.

Location: 2829 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Times and Hours: Monday-Friday (10AM - 6PM); Saturday (12PM - 4PM), and Sunday (closed!)

International Events List (September 11^th - September 17^th )

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from Monday, September 11^th - Sunday, September 17^th .

Emoji Notes

👗 = Fancy dress code.

Monday, September 11^th, 2023

1. Dance for Parkinson’s Disease (FREE!) (2:30PM - 3:30PM)

   • Description: Launched as a partnership between Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group, this program offers internationally acclaimed dance classes for people with Parkinson’s Disease in more than 250 communities and 24 countries.

Tuesday, September 12^th , 2023

1. Lotus Festival of Food and Culture (FREE!) (Multiple days and times!)

   • Description: Join us for an immersive five-day experience of food, fun, and culture in downtown D.C.'s Chinatown Park.

2. Virtual Tuesday Talk: “By Women’s Hands” - The Creative Work of Female Artists in the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (FREE!) (12:00PM - 1:00PM)

   • Description: Join Lea Lane will discuss the portraits on loan from MESDA for the DAR Museum "Pleasing Truths" exhibition.

3. Co-Building a Strategic Agenda for the Americas (FREE!) (3:00PM - 5:00PM)

   • Description: Join us in the presentation and discussion of the report: "Co-Building a Strategic Agenda for the Americas."

4. A Talk With Cuban Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío (FREE!) (3:30PM - 4:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for a discussion to answer the geopolitical question, “Could the Cuban Deputy Minister’s visit signify prospects for broader improvements in the U.S.-Cuba relationship?”

5. Piano Concert: Matyáš Novák (FREE!) (6:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Join the Embassy of the Czech Republic in welcoming award-winning pianist Matyáš Novák who will perform a program of renowned Czech composers, including Dvořák, Smetana, and Suk.

6. Flow Into Arabic Calligraphy: Introduction for Beginners with Khalid Casado ($65.87) (5:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Join the QAIC for an immersive journey into the captivating world of Arabic calligraphy! This event is designed especially for beginners!

Wednesday, September 13^th , 2023

1. Gardener's Focus Tour | Japanese-style Garden (FREE!) (2:30PM - 3:30PM)

   • Description: Experience the serenity and beauty of the Japanese-style garden, just as Marjorie Post and so many of her guests did.

2. Briefing on Swiss Apprenticeship & International VET Program (FREE!) (4:00PM - 5:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for a briefing on the Swiss-style Apprenticeship & International VET Program.

3. Champagnes & Châteaux Wine Dinner ($131) (5:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: In collaboration with Champagnes & Châteaux, Dovetail invites you to indulge in exceptional flavors, as Executive Chef James Gee’s curated menu showcases a symphony of tastes to be paired with some of Champagnes & Châteaux’s best selections.

4. ¡De última hora!: Latinas Report Breaking News Opening Panel (FREE!) (5:00PM - 6:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for a panel discussion with featured journalists celebrating the opening of the new exhibition "¡De última hora!: Latinas Report Breaking News".

5. La Banda Chuska - Kennedy Center Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Join La Banda Chuska as they reimagine the vintage sounds of Peruvian cumbia and surf through the lens of its New York City home and diverse musical and cultural backgrounds (Peru, P.R., Argentina, U.S.A.).

6. Chocolate Feast in Spain: Exquisite Chocolates and Truffles 👗 ($60.54) (7:00PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Indulge in a fun-filled evening to feast on exquisite chocolate and truffles masterfully paired with cava, red, and white wine from Spain for a match made in heaven!

7. Soft Power: The Future of US Diplomacy in International institutions (FREE!) (7:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for a conversation with Director of CSIS' Project on Prosperity and Development; Daniel Runde, and GW Professor Robert Sutter.

8. Lotus Festival of Food and Culture (FREE!) (Multiple days and times!)

   • Description: Join us for an immersive five-day experience of food, fun, and culture in downtown D.C.'s Chinatown Park.

Thursday, September 14^th , 2023

1. Coffee & Collections: Paper Records of the Harlem Renaissance (FREE!) (11:00AM - 12:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for a closer look at some of the museum's treasured artifacts!

2. Nani Noam Vazana: Ladino Singer, Musician, Composer (FREE!) (12:00PM - 1:00PM)

   • Description: Join us as we listen to Nani's work that captures the spirit of an ancient, matriarchal language and culture and propels it into the 21st century with socially pertinent lyrics addressing themes such as migration, gender, and female empowerment.

3. Earth Law Symposium: Transforming Law and Governance for a Planet in Crisis (FREE!) (12:15PM - 4:15PM)

   • Description: Join leading experts to explore transformative legal movements that can help restore balance to the planet.

4. Middle East Cross-Cultural Studies Lecture (FREE!) (5:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Join Nia Mahallati as she discusses the diverse historical, political, ethnic, and religious qualities that make the Middle East a unique region.

5.  Estrellas de Tierra-Photo Exhibition (FREE!) (6:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Join the Embassy of Argentina for the opening of Estrellas de Tierra by Claire Dunn.

6. Lotus Festival of Food and Culture (FREE!) (Multiple days and times!)

   • Description: Join us for an immersive five-day experience of food, fun, and culture in downtown D.C.'s Chinatown Park.

Friday, September 15^th , 2023

1. Earth Law Symposium: Transforming Law and Governance for a Planet in Crisis (FREE!) (9:00AM - 3:30PM)

   • Description: Join leading experts to explore transformative legal movements that can help restore balance to the planet.

2. Opening Celebration: Women in Climate Action mural by German Artist Hera (FREE!) (5:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for a festive mural opening featuring uplifting music by award-winning singer/songwriter Emma G, and light refreshments!

3. Madalisto - Kennedy Center Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Intuitive, authentic, and full of ruthless rhythms, the duo from Malawi known as Madalitso made their international debut at Zanzibar’s Sauti za Busara festival in 2017.

4. Garden Party de la Rentrée at the Embassy of France ($128.02+) (6:30PM - 9:30PM) 👗

   • Description: C'est la Rentrée ! Join us for a "very French" Garden Party at the French Embassy.

5. El Grito DC 2023 ($30.65) (8:00PM - 2:30AM, September 16th)

   • Description: Get ready to immerse yourself in an incredible atmosphere and experience the true essence of Mexican Independence Day.

6. A Night at the Museum: Celebrating 56 Years of Community Stories (FREE!) (7:00PM - 10:00PM)

   • Description: Celebrate 56 years of ACM, showcase sustainable fashion and enjoy live music and mocktails. Event is 21+. Registration strongly recommended.

7. Bambino Performance ($30 - $43) (8:00PM - 10:00PM)

   • Description: Join Bambino and his band in a way that captured the Tuareg sound (which spans centuries) while connecting it to our immediate present.

8. Lotus Festival of Food and Culture (FREE!) (Multiple days and times!)

   • Description: Join us for an immersive five-day experience of food, fun, and culture in downtown D.C.'s Chinatown Park.

Saturday, September 16^th , 2023

1. Lotus Festival of Food and Culture (FREE!) (Multiple days and times!)

   • Description: Join us for an immersive five-day experience of food, fun, and culture in downtown D.C.'s Chinatown Park.

2. Wunder Garten's 9th Annual Oktoberfest Festival (FREE!) (Multiple days and times!)

   • Description: Join us in celebrating the DMV’s largest and most festive Oktoberfest!

3. Teaching Africa Day: Changing the Narrative Through the Arts (FREE!) (11:00AM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Learn about the African Heritage festival for children and teenagers.

4. 100 Ways to Cross the Border (FREE!) (2:00PM - 3:30PM)

   • Description: With intimate access to the artist and his troupe, 100 Ways to Cross the Border unabashedly documents the impact of Gómez-Peña's work and his contributions to conversations on Latinx and Chicanx identity, politics, and border theory.

5. Gallery Talk: Lost Europe: On the Edge of Memories -Day in Kyiv (FREE!) (4:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Join Photographer Daniel Faust, with guests present on the exhibition "Lost Europe: On the Edge of Memories" in a talk titled "Day in Kyiv".

6. Threads of Hope (FREE!) (1:00PM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Join Anacostia Arts Center, The GoGo Museum, and Luis Del Valle for a celebration of local artists and culture.

7.  Latine Heritage Through a Literary Lens (FREE!) (1:30PM - 5:00PM)

   • Description: The Writer’s Center presents an informative and inspiring symposium addressing the subject of Latine heritage in literature and popular culture, offering free creative writing workshops followed by a panel discussion.

Sunday, September 17^th , 2023

1. Lotus Festival of Food and Culture (FREE!) (Multiple days and times!)

   • Description: Join us for an immersive five-day experience of food, fun, and culture in downtown D.C.'s Chinatown Park.

2. Wunder Garten's 9th Annual Oktoberfest Festival (FREE!) (Multiple days and times!)

   • Description: Join us in celebrating the DMV’s largest and most festive Oktoberfest!

3. Yoga and Sound Bath at the International Spy Museum ($34.10) (9:00AM - 10:00AM)

   • Description: Join us for a yoga and sound bath at Washington DC's International Spy Museum.

4. Jamaica Cultural Fest (FREE!) (12:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Get ready for a day filled with the best of Jamaican food, music, and art, all nestled in the heart of Silver Spring, Maryland.

5. In Conversation with Kenturah Davis (FREE!) (2:00PM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for a talk led by Rhea L. Combs, director of curatorial affairs, about Davis’s signature style of “text drawings.”

6.  Kinship: An Artist Talk with Thomas Holton (FREE!) (3:30PM - 4:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for an artist talk with Thomas Holton, a featured artist in "Kinship".

7. A CHEUSE SALON | A Busboys and Poets Books Presentation (FREE!) (5:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for the launch of two books of poetry with authors and translators, sponsored by Cheuse Salon and DC Alt!

Rate Issue No.30!

😁 😁 😁 😁 = Well done! You nailed it!

😁 😁 😁 = Good job overall, could use some work.

😁 😁 = Okay-ish issue.

😁 = Terrible, do better next time.

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