Inside the Trump admin's patriotic vision for Art in Embassies
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Passport to Patriotism celebrates America's 250th through art. Pictured: "Wings of Liberty" by artist Henri Reed. Photo: Courtesy Art in Embassies
A rare local art exhibition showcasing the State Department's Art in Embassies program is opening in D.C. soon.
Why it matters: "Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy" offers a window into how the Trump administration is shaping a decades-old cultural diplomacy program around patriotism and America's 250th anniversary.
Driving the news: The free exhibit opens July 30 at the Art Museum of the Americas near the National Mall, bringing into public view a lesser-known federal program that has showcased American art abroad for more than 60 years.
- It'll feature more than 30 contemporary artists whose work celebrates American identity, diplomacy and national symbols.
- On display are colorful Romero Britto paintings, monumental Brendan Murphy sculptures like this giant astronaut, and works about migration from Guinean artist Papay Solomon, plus giant American flag installations, photography and fashion.
What's new: Since taking over Art in Embassies this year, director Erin Scavino — an attorney, former "Apprentice" contestant and wife of senior Trump adviser Dan Scavino — says she's emphasized patriotic imagery and American history while working with ambassadors to personalize their embassy collections.
- "We really want them to see something that's uplifting and positive, and can be a great conversation starter," says Scavino.
She tells Axios that ambassadors have increasingly requested works featuring American flags from contemporary artists like Nick Moss, historical figures and iconic moments à la "Washington Crossing the Delaware."
- "I do focus a lot on historical figures ... and a lot of flags," she said.
Context: The exhibit arrives as the Trump administration has made patriotism a defining theme of America's 250th anniversary celebration.
- President Trump has signed executive orders calling for "beautiful" federal civic architecture and restoring monuments.
- His administration has also recently criticized the Smithsonian for exhibits it says promote "divisive" interpretations of American history, arguing federal museums should better celebrate the nation's achievements.
- The exhibition came about through Freedom 250, the Trump-backed organization behind many of D.C.'s 250th events, and the American Arts Conservancy, a new nonprofit that has become a major partner in the administration's cultural initiatives.
Between the lines: The exhibition steers away from heavier themes.
- "This exhibition isn't one that's going to make you think about horribly dark things or things that have been a blemish on the face of America," Scavino tells Axios.
- Instead, she says she wants visitors to leave thinking: "That was exciting and patriotic."
Yes, but: Scavino says the exhibition isn't meant to ignore history.
- She noted photographs of veterans and military service members are included alongside patriotic works, adding that visitors will encounter "complex and deep moments."
The big picture: Art in Embassies was created during the Kennedy administration to use visual art as a form of cultural diplomacy and soft power.
- Today, the office curates exhibitions for roughly 190 U.S. diplomatic properties worldwide, where artwork often serves as foreign visitors' first introduction to the United States.
- Scavino says the focus remains on coming together versus contrasts. "Two different people can look at the same piece of art and see different things," Scavino said. "It really gets you to bond over something and brings people together as opposed to bringing people apart."
If you go: The exhibit runs through Oct. 18. Admission is free.