arts

Actor Chadwick Boseman, dressed in graduation gown and waving to crowd (© Eric Thayer/Reuters)

The commencement speech: A U.S. college tradition

Each year, commencement speakers visit U.S. campuses with words of advice for new graduates. Here are nuggets of wisdom from recent speeches.
Man speaking to a crowd of people (© Cheriss May/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Unlocking world literature for readers

International authors come to the PEN America World Voices Festival to share new perspectives with American readers.
People performing traditional Pacific Islander dance on outdoor stage (U.S. Army/Sergeant Evan Ruchotzke)

Celebrating Asian American heritage in the U.S. [photo gallery]

Each May, the U.S. honors the contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Take a look at a few celebrations.
People standing around replica of floor plan on classroom floor (© Patrick G. Ryan/The Catholic University of America)

Sharing in Notre Dame Cathedral’s revival

Learn how U.S. college students built a replica of part of Notre Dame Cathedral and learned traditional French building techniques.
Remains of ancient building in desert (U.S. Embassy Astana)

Celebrating Kazakhstan’s rich culture

Learn how U.S. programs help preserve Kazakhstan's culture and how the "Qazaq-pop" band Ninety One teaches some Americans to speak Kazakh.
Kirsten Dunst sitting in carriage with cinema camera in foreground (© Moviestore/Shutterstock.com)

These sites are featured in top films

Movie directors broaden audiences' cultural understanding by filming at locations with stunning buildings and natural beauty.
Poster celebrating jazz, with illustration of Jon Batiste leaning back, smiling, with eyes closed, playing a melodica (State Dept./D. Thompson)

Meet Oscar-winning jazz artist Jon Batiste [poster]

For Jazz Appreciation Month, learn about Jon Batiste, a young American jazz musician who has won numerous awards, including an Oscar in 2021.
Vintage poetry book lying on table (© Graeme Dawes/Shutterstock.com)

Americans turn to poems in April

Poets, of course — but local officials too — are finding new ways this month to engage people in reading, writing and sharing poems.
Ke Huy Quan holding Oscar award (© Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

Once a refugee, now an Oscar winner

Decades after arriving in the U.S. as a refugee, Ke Huy Quan won film's highest honor. Learn more about a story that is inspiring others.