KU News Release

Artists from Iran to visit KU during trip to United States

LAWRENCE — Fourteen Iranian artists will visit the University of Kansas on Thursday, May 17, as part of a three-week tour of the United States.

The Iranians are the first to travel to the United States on a culturally sanctioned exchange since political relations soured in 1979. The International Visitors Council of Greater Kansas City is coordinating the group’s Kansas City and Lawrence visit.

In the morning, the artists will tour the Lawrence Arts Center and talk with local artists to learn about the Lawrence arts community. In the afternoon, the group will meet with Hodgie Bricke, assistant dean of International Programs, to learn about international education. They will also meet with Yoonmi Nam, professor of art, to understand how KU’s art program compares with other types of art education. They will tour the Spencer Museum of Art to see how a university art museum operates.

The group is sponsored by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs as a result of President Bush’s order that the U.S. government revitalize people-to-people exchanges with Iran. That order came with a $5 million appropriation. Earlier this year, U.S. wrestlers visited Iran and participated in a tournament. Future exchanges will bring Iranian doctors, teachers and more athletes to the United States.

The Iranians met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington, D.C. Also on the itinerary are New York City and Santa Fe, N.M.

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