Fine arts and cultural heritage consultant Stuart Gibson will present a convocation entitled “A Cultural Ambassador in the Context of Global Citizenship" Friday, April 20 at 10:50 a.m. in the Carleton College Skinner Memorial Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.
Gibson specializes in assisting cultural organizations and governments during periods of economic and political transition, focusing on saving national treasures. Says Gibson, "During periods of social crisis, culture is frequently marginalized as inconsequential. Nevertheless, it can play a vital role in promoting stability during difficult economic and political transitions.” Gibson’s convocation speech will address cultural diplomacy as a tool in overcoming economic and political isolation, using the Middle East and the former Soviet Union as primary examples.
Gibson is also the director of the UNESCO Hermitage Project in St. Petersburg, Russia, described by the Russian government as one of the most successful cultural projects undertaken by the United Nations in Russia. The State Hermitage Museum is one of the largest, oldest, most important, and famous art galleries and museums of human history and culture in the world. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes international collaboration through education, science, and culture. Gibson has also served as Advisor to the Ministries of Culture and Tourism and Antiquities of Iraq and as Advisor to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
The Carleton college relations department is sponsoring Gibson’s appearance. For more information and disability accommodations, call (507) 646-4308.
