In the continued efforts of our arts diplomacy series, the Pacific Council organized two wonderful events in November 2023 in partnership with the Silkroad Ensemble.

The first event was an intimate dinner discussion with Silkroad’s Executive Director, Ben Hartley, and Director of Partnerships and Impact, Alicia Robinson, about the Silkroad’s American Railroad tour. After the discussion, members watched a beautiful Silkroad Ensemble performance which celebrated the forgotten voices of the immigrant, African American, and indigenous communities who helped to build the American Empire with the transcontinental railroad.

The second event was an engaging discussion with Silkroad’s Artistic Director, Rhiannon Giddens, and New York Times bestselling author and descendant of a Chinese railroad worker, Lisa See. This event was held at Los Angeles’ Union Station in partnership with the Silkroad Ensemble, MetroARTS, and For Freedoms.