Art and Diplomacy Exhibition at PH Center in New York Underscores Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Community Building

From left: Office of Foreign Missions New York Regional Director Kathleen Eagen, Consul General of Georgia and SoFC President Maia Bartaia, and PH Consul General Senen T. Mangalile formally open the Art and Diplomacy Exhibition. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas)

NEW YORK CITY, 23 January 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted the annual Art and Diplomacy Exhibition of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SoFC) on 22 January 2026 at the Philippine Center.

The exhibition showcased artworks and musical performances from Barbados, Georgia, India, Malaysia, Morocco, the Philippines, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Thailand, and Türkiye.

The exhibition featured two art works permanently displayed at the Philippine Center Lobby Gallery namely “Lamination XLIV” and “Solid Island” by National Artist Arturo Luz and Eduardo Castrillo, respectively.

In his welcome remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile described the Philippine Center as a concrete manifestation of the confluence of art and diplomacy, noting that it is a space where ties are strengthened, understanding is reached, and friendships are renewed, “all while appreciating the true, the good, and the beautiful.”

Consul General of Georgia Maia Bartaia, current SoFC President, emphasized the role of art in conveying national identity and experience, underscoring its capacity to connect people across borders and to give tangible expression to shared values within the consular community.

New York City Commissioner for International Affairs Aissata M. B. Camara highlighted the city’s position as the world’s diplomatic capital and remarked on how cultural initiatives such as the exhibition advance everyday diplomacy, noting that art opens opportunities for empathy and connection beyond formal negotiations.

Lastly, Ms. Kathleen Eagen, Office of Foreign Missions New York Regional Director, underscored cultural diplomacy as a practical tool for international engagement, drawing attention to the role of the arts in fostering mutual understanding by allowing people to see the world through different perspectives and experiences.

The program also featured cultural presentations by Serbian pianist Aleksandar Hadžievski, and Thai volunteer teacher Juthapat Boonsri of Vajiradhammapadip Temple, who played traditional Thai musical instruments.

Attended by over 80 members of the consular corps, city government officials, artists, and invited guests, the event concluded with a reception featuring Filipino chicken barbecue and empanadas, Georgian khachapuri, Thai beer, and South African wines.

Since its founding in 1925, the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York has served as a platform for engagement among consular missions in the city. The Art and Diplomacy Exhibition builds on this legacy by using art to create spaces for encounter and dialogue across various communities and institutions. END

(Left photo) “Solid Island” by sculptor Eduardo Castrillo; (Right photo) Consul General Mangalile presents the work “Lamination XLIV” by National Artist Arturo Luz to guests. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas)
Guests view works on display at the Art and Diplomacy Exhibition. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas)
From top left (clockwise): Office of Foreign Missions New York Regional Director Kathleen Eagen, New York City Commissioner for International Affairs Aissata M. B. Camara, Consul General of Georgia and SoFC President Maia Bartaia, and PH Consul General Mangalile. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas)