After six cycles of generative creative exchanges, American Arts Incubator came to a close at the end of 2020. Between 2014 and 2020, we facilitated 30 American Arts Incubator exchanges in 28 countries, producing 182 art and projects for social impact and engaging over 1,300 workshop participants and 12,000 members of the public abroad.

How would our world be different if every president and prime minister’s action and speech were defined through a direct and collective contribution from every community member? How would our world be different if houses of worship and sacred spaces had multitudes of doors, welcoming humanity across different religions to enter with their own prayers?

It’s been a little over a month since the American Arts Incubator — Peru (AAI Peru) program was completed. Reflecting back on the month-long exchange, the global pandemic and virtual format did not dampen the enthusiasm and brilliance of the participating artists. Instead, it challenged us to adapt and respond to the moment, framed by the past…