Our Initiatives
Artists for Understanding (A4U)
Artists for Understanding brings together artists, writers, musicians, chefs, educators, arts administrators, and creatives to explore how the arts and humanities can counter hate and foster empathy. In partnership with the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at 92NY, the initiative supports creative work that builds compassion, strengthens communities, and reminds us that artists can be a powerful force for understanding and social good.
Triple Threat Academy (TTA)
CHINA + INDONESIA
Triple Threat Academy is a virtual cultural diplomacy program that supports young artists through professional development, mentorship, and global creative exchange. Led by Carla Canales, the program trains participants in three key areas of artist development: performance artistry, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Created in partnership with organizations including the U.S. Department of State, Jakarta Performing Arts Community, and Zheng Xiaoying Opera Center, TTA expands digital opportunities for cultural diplomacy in a post-COVID world.
Hear Her Song
A musical celebration of extraordinary women through The Canales Project’s inaugural album.
In 2020, we embarked on producing a recording in collaboration with engineer Christopher Botta (OneBeat, Emily Wells), featuring 11 songs by our Hear Her Song artists: Katy Pfaffl, Hyeyoung Kim, HelenPark, Janet Noh, Dina Fanai, ElizaHull, Faye Chiao, Rosabella Gregory, Maria Landi, Sophia Lanuza, and Gwyneth Herbert. The album was launched in March 2021, aligning with Women’s History Month.
Further Initiatives
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The Cultural Diplomacy Study Group at the Belfer Center of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government
A standing convening on soft power and cultural strategy, in conversation with leaders in diplomacy and the arts.
The Zhi Yin Dialogue convenes cultural leaders from China and the United States, beginning with its first meeting in Shanghai, to advance mutual understanding, artistic collaboration, and cultural exchange.
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Artists for Understanding (A4U)
Artists for Understanding is a Canales Project initiative, developed in partnership with 92NY’s Belfer Center, that brings artists and creatives together to counter hate, foster empathy, and strengthen communities through the arts and humanities.
Triple Threat Academy (TTA)
Triple Threat Academy is a virtual cultural diplomacy program led by Carla Canales that supports young artists in performance artistry, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, with partners including the U.S. Department of State, Jakarta Performing Arts Community, and Zheng Xiaoying Opera Center.
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The Future of Cultural Diplomacy
In partnership with The Future of Diplomacy Project of the Belfer Center at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, the Future of Cultural Diplomacy brings together policymakers, artists, cultural leaders, and scholars to examine the diplomatic, economic, and social impact of the creative arts worldwide.
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Cultural Diplomacy Initiative at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University
The Cultural Diplomacy Initiative at The Fletcher School serves as a convening center for leaders in the field, advancing research, dialogue, and training on the role of culture in building bridges and supporting foreign policy objectives.
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Hear Her Song
Hear Her Song is The Canales Project’s debut initiative, honoring distinguished women leaders through original songs by women composers and songwriters that amplify their stories, achievements, and calls for gender equality.
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Video Pals (V-Pals)
Video Pals was a Canales Project education initiative that connected students with artists from around the world, using music, storytelling, and creative exchange to spark curiosity, build cultural understanding, and cross identity barriers.
Between Two Worlds
Between Two Worlds was a Canales Project concert series that used music, storytelling, and conversation to explore culture, identity, and belonging, bringing artists and audiences together in intimate, interactive performances.
Songs of Strength, Songs of Regret
Songs of Strength, Songs of Regret was a Canales Project performance initiative, presented with San José Office of Cultural Affairs and MACLA, that used music, mythology, and community stories to explore courage, regret, and moral responsibility.
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Finding Your Voice
Finding Your Voice was a Canales Project youth education program, presented with Education Through Music and Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, that used music, voice training, and cultural exploration to help young people express their identities and recognize the power of their own voices.