DC Diplomacy Digest: Embassy Fall Tales

Comic of the Week 😆 

Event Highlight: Artechouse (Beyond the Light Exhibit) (September 14^th , 2023)

To say we were standing in multiple dimensions in Artechouse was an understatement this past Thursday! For those of our readers who do not know, Artechouse is a venue in multiple locations including DC where art, technology, and creativity fuse together to create all-immersive environments. NASA and Artechouse collaborated to use imagery from the James Webb Space Telescope with AI software to create these amazing projections of going through space.

Rotating on a full 26 minute program, we were transported from deep space to different fractal dimensions similar to the Dark Dimension in Doctor Strange for our Marvel fans out there. There was a complimentary 2 drink maximum at the bar where you could also use the Artechouse app to see some Augmented Reality (AR) with some cool space simulations like the birth of a star. Overall, it was an amazing experience where simple words do not do it much justice!

Check out the Beyond the Light exhibit here.

📍: 1238 Maryland Ave. SW
📆: Opens Sept 15
💰: General admission - $25; children - $17

Cultural Center Dive: IKG Cultural Resource Center

In our research of cultural centers in DC, we found the IKG which is an educational organization devoted to the re-discovery and application of ancient African history, culture, and wisdom. Founded in 1982, Anthony T. Browder wished to challenge the perceptions of Africa found across the world from news media outlets to classrooms. The organization researches, analyzes, and disseminates information to the public regarding these areas through lectures, workshops, and conferences.

Historians, scientists, psychologists, and scholars periodically discuss aspects of African, African-American, and global history to philosophy at the IKG. The Cultural Resource Center houses a permanent exhibit detailing Egypt and the Potomac Filed Trip of Washington D.C. In addition, the IKG also holds webinars regarding different subjects including the need to understand why the country of Egypt has captivated the world’s imagination for the past 2,000 years.

If you are curious, learn more about the IKG Cultural Resource Center here

Location: 1816 12th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Times and Hours: Monday - Friday (9AM - 5PM); Saturday and Sunday (closed!)

Looking Ahead! 👀 

One of our readers sent us an email commenting on sometimes it is frustrating for them to find events that are already booked up by the time we send out the weekly newsletter issue. We understand that frustration since the appetite for international embassy and cultural events in DC is huge with free events going especially quickly!

To this end, we decided to create a separate section that focuses on upcoming events the week after a newsletter issue gets released so that our readers are aware of what may be coming. Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list and that we do not find everything weeks in advance!

1. Africa Is Not a Country by Dipo Faloyin (FREE!) (Tuesday, September 26^th , 7:00PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: SOLITAIRE with Johannes Fleischmann (violin) and Christoph Ulrich Meier (piano) features little-known musical gems by renowned composers.

2. SACC-DC & Volvo Group Annual Crayfish Party 2023 ($76.54 - $97.88) (Thursday, September 28^th , 6:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington DC and Volvo Group are proud to present the annual crayfish party at House of Sweden!

3. Oktoberfest Beer Tasting, Dinner, Dance, and Evening of German Alpine Music at the German-American Heritage Museum ($64.80 - $81.88) (Friday, September 29^th, 6:30PM - 9:30PM) 

   • Description: Celebrate Oktoberfest and enjoy a taste of Germany with a very special tasting of German beer, German sausage, potato salad, and pretzels with live German music.

4. Theatre at the MCI: La Pajara de San Juan ($23.18) (Friday, September 29^th - Sunday, October 1^st)

   • Description: Join us at the Mexican Cultural Institute (MCI) to watch a series of movies over several days.

5. World Culture Festival (FREE!) (Friday, September 29th - Sunday, October 1st)

   • Description: Attend the World Culture Festival over a couple of days and enjoy multicultural performances to tasty foods.

6. Russian Bazaar Multicultural Festival (FREE!) (Saturday, September 30th - Sunday, October 1st)

   • Description: Attend the Russian Bazaar Multicultural Festival celebrating Russian culture, food, entertainment and shopping.

International Events List (September 18^th - September 24^th )

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from Monday, September 18^th - Sunday, September 24^th .

Emoji Notes

👗 = Fancy dress code.

Monday, September 18^th, 2023

1. Spanish Young Music Talents: Daniel Juárez in Washington, DC (FREE!) (Waitlist!) (6:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Join Spanish jazz saxophone player Daniel Juárez as he offers a piano-sax concert, being the first jazz musician to participate in the program.

2. Africa Is Not a Country by Dipo Faloyin (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Africa Is Not a Country celebrates the energy and particularity of the continent's different cultures and communities, treating Africa with the respect it deserves. Join us for a good book talk!

3. Alejandra Campoverdi — First Gen - with Silvia Foster-Frau (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Join Alejandra Campoverdi and Silvia Foster-Frau for exciting discussions revolving around the U.S.’s emergence as a predominantly multicultural society.

4. Borders and Boundaries: Interdisciplinary Forum (FREE!) (12:30PM - 2:00PM)

   • Description: At this first event in our annual series, CGES faculty will discuss what the theme of "Borders and Boundaries" means to their respective fields.

Tuesday, September 19^th , 2023

1. Revolutionary Questions at 250 Lecture (FREE!) (1:00PM - 2:00PM)

   • Description: Come join us for an interesting lecture regarding how the ideals of the Declaration of Independence have spurred change.

2. Artist Advocates for Democracy Lecture (FREE!) (2:00PM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: Come join us for an interesting lecture regarding art as an asset for diplomacy and cross-cultural connection.

3. Storytelling and Connection (FREE!) (3:00PM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Come join us for an interesting lecture regarding the power of storytelling and art as methods of engagement and connection in democratic culture.

4. Climate Innovation, USA Meets the Alps (FREE!) (5:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for a special evening dedicated to Climate Innovation in High Altitude and High Latitude regions!

5. Discover Sake Brewing with Euka Isawa: The Art of Crafting Homebrewed Sake ($30.23) (6:30PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Join us and illuminate your sake curiosity with Euka Isawa, as we unveil the art of crafting your own sake!

6. Anna Koch: Bassticcio Contemporary Music (FREE!) (7:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join Anna Koch as she performs her solo program BASSticcio on bass clarinet with compositions by Austrian & American composers & her own improvisations.

7. Hybrid Event: Melania Luisa Marte, Plantains and Our Becoming (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Join East City Bookshop as they welcome Melania Luisa Marte to discuss her debut poetry collection, Plantains and Our Becoming.

8.  Mika Song - One Smart Cookie (FREE!) (10:30AM - 11:30AM)

   • Description: Join Mika Song as she discusses one of her watercolor graphic novel for early readers.

Wednesday, September 20^th , 2023

1. Antonio Canova and His Contemporaries (FREE!) (3:00PM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Join Senior lecturer David Gariff in discussing Neo-Classical sculpture in Europe and America made by the students, followers, and champions of Antonio Canova’s art.

2. Writing Workshop Inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month (FREE!) (5:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: In this creative writing workshop, we will gain inspiration from portraits of Cecilia Vicuñya and other contemporary Hispanic artists and activists in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection.

3. Tango and Champagne Soiree: Argentine Tango Lessons and Dance Soiree ($32.78) (7:00PM - 9:30PM) 👗

   • Description: Join us on your own or with friends to enjoy an evening of champagne and Argentine Tango dancing with lessons at the Gallery at the Ven at Embassy Row, in the heart of DuPont Circle.

4. Mid Autumn Night Market Presented By Tiger Fork & Hi Lawn (FREE!) (6:00PM - 12:00AM)

   • Description: Join us as Hi Lawn turns into a lively Night Market, transporting guests to the streets of Hong Kong with various food and performances.

5. San Salvador - Kennedy Center Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Join the Occitan polyphony as the starting point for this six-voice and percussion collective as they embark on their search for universal folklore.

Thursday, September 21^st , 2023

1. AFI Latin American Film Festival (Multiple dates, multiple times) (Check ticket price)

   • Description: Watch one of the films at the AFI Latin American Film Festival as this is one of North America’s largest and longest-running showcases of Latin American cinema.

2. European Engagement in the Sahel (FREE!) (10:00AM - 11:00AM)

   • Description: Join the New Lines Institute for a roundtable on European and international engagement in West Africa.

3. Capital Book Fest (FREE!) (10:00AM - 5:00PM)

   • Description: Visit Downtown DC’s outdoor, pop-up bookstore as it returns to Wilson Plaza!

4. Live! at the Library: A Conversation with Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the Prime Minister of Iceland, and Co-Writer Ragnar Jónasson (FREE!) (5:00PM - 5:45PM)

   • Description: Listen to a talk about the book “Reykjavík” co-written with bestselling thriller writer Ragnar Jónasson and is about the long-unsolved murder of fictional character Lára, a 14-year-old in Iceland in 1956.

5. Third Thursday After Hours - Dupont Circle (FREE!) (5:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Visit America's first modern art museum for free during our extended hours on the Third Thursday of every month.

6. Slowdanger: SUPERCELL Performance ($25+) (8:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Making its world premiere at The Clarice, SUPERCELL is an evening-length dance work with a multidisciplinary angle responding to climate change, media sensationalism, desensitization and environmental collapse.

7. Rooftop Reception - Celebrating Champions of Energy, Environment & Mobility (FREE!) (5:00PM - 7:00PM) 👗

   • Description: Join us for a powerful event highlighting Racial Equity & Justice in Energy, Environment, and Mobility at the Rooftop Reception -CBC/CHC.

8. Madams of DC Walking Tour ($30.23) (7:00PM - 9:30PM)

   • Description: Learn the stories of the women who ran Civil-War era Washington from the many brothels that ran down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Friday, September 22^nd , 2023

1. Artisan-in-Residence Demo: Vahagn Hambardzumyan and Pottery Techniques (FREE!) (1:00PM - 2:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for a demonstration with Artisan in Residence, Vahagn Hambardzumyan, as he shares Armenian pottery traditions.

2. Public Art, Activism, and Historic Memory (FREE!) (3:00PM - 5:00PM)

   • Description: On the 50th anniversary of the military coup in Chile, a panel discussion will examine the importance of culture as a tool for building solidarity and advancing justice.

3. Y La Bamba - Kennedy Center (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Join lead vocalist and producer Luz Elena Mendoza Ramos as she chronicles a period of struggle and growth for Mendoza Ramos as a person and artist.

4. Bizet Symphony No.1 in C Major - Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major ($10+ - $20+) (7:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join Violinist Julian Rhee as they open WCO's 2023-2024 season with a performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto.

5. Sagarika - Kennedy Center ($40+) (7:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Don't miss this chance to witness the magic of "Sagarika" – a mesmerizing narrative that intertwines ancient allegory with contemporary artistry.

6. WestNordic Waves at SongByrd (FREE!) (8:00PM - 10:00PM)

   • Description: Join Greenlandic musician Frederik Elsner, accompanied by his band from the Faroe Islands and Icelandic punk trio GROA as they perform one night in DC.

7. Slowdanger: SUPERCELL Performance ($25+) (8:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Making its world premiere at The Clarice, SUPERCELL is an evening-length dance work with a multidisciplinary angle responding to climate change, media sensationalism, desensitization and environmental collapse.

8. Dumbarton Oaks Symposium: Washington, D.C.: Music-Political Center ($35+ - $125+) (September 22^nd - September 23^rd ) 👗

   • Description: Join for a special symposium that examines the unique role of Washington, D.C. as a global center for political music.

9. AFI Latin American Film Festival (Multiple dates, multiple times) (Check ticket price)

   • Description: Watch one of the films at the AFI Latin American Film Festival as this is one of North America’s largest and longest-running showcases of Latin American cinema.

Saturday, September 23^rd , 2023

1. American Revolution- French Alliance Day ($10) (10:00AM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Join us on September 23, 2023 to commemorate French influence during the American Revolution, with history and fun!

2. Mazal Tov Israeli Film ($15) (11:00AM - 12:00PM)

   • Movie Plot: An Israeli-Jewish couple is expecting their first child. But after a perfect-all-natural-full-moon-emotional labor, they discover the baby is a far cry from what they (and everyone else) come to expect.

3. Fotos y Recuerdos Festival (FREE!) (11:30AM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: Join the Hispanic Heritage Month fiesta at the National Portrait Gallery! Back by popular demand, our friends from Lil’ Libros are helping us throw another all-ages celebration.

4. Egwu Siri Ike: Igbo Traditional Dances w/Gucci Moves ($23.18) (3:00PM - 4:30PM)

   • Description: Looking to learn new traditional dance moves?Looking for a way to practice some old Igbo trad moves? Join GucciMoves as we learn Igbo dances.

5. Oktoberfest Wine , Cider & Beer Festival (FREE!) (1:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Come join us at Shipgarten for our Oktoberfest Wine, Cider & Beer Festival!

6. Artisan-in-Residence Talk: Vahagn Hambardzumyan on Pottery and Ornaments (FREE!) (1:00PM - 2:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for a talk with Artisan in Residence, Vahagn Hambardzumyan, as he delves into traditional Armenian household pottery and ornaments.

7. Bizet Symphony No.1 in C Major - Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major ($10+ - $20+) (7:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join Violinist Julian Rhee as they open WCO's 2023-2024 season with a performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto.

8. Dumbarton Oaks Symposium: Washington, D.C.: Music-Political Center ($35+ - $125+) (September 22nd - September 23rd) 👗

   • Description: Join for a special symposium that examines the unique role of Washington, D.C. as a global center for political music.

Sunday, September 24^th , 2023

1. AFI Latin American Film Festival (Multiple dates, multiple times) (Check ticket price)

   • Description: Watch one of the films at the AFI Latin American Film Festival as this is one of North America’s largest and longest-running showcases of Latin American cinema.

2. Sari Climate Workshop (FREE!) (2:00PM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Join us as we explore strategies for climate action and artistically share climate pledges.

Rate Issue No.31!

😁 😁 😁 😁 = Well done! You nailed it!

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

😁 😁 = Okay-ish issue.

😁 = Terrible, do better next time.

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