Washington, D.C. — September 13, 2025 — Faces of Impact Founder Artem Shestakov attended the prestigious EU State of the Arts Night VIP Reception, held at the historic Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building in Washington, D.C. The event, one of the most important cultural diplomacy gatherings in the capital, was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States, in partnership with the European-American Cultural Foundation (EACF), the Hirshhorn Museum, and the embassies of Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden.

Cultural Diplomacy in Washington, D.C.

The VIP reception was hosted under the patronage of H.E. Jovita Neliupšienė, Ambassador of the European Union to the United States. Guests — including cultural leaders, policymakers, artists, and diplomats — were welcomed into an evening of cultural exchange, artistic celebration, and transatlantic dialogue.

The Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building provided a fitting backdrop: a space historically dedicated to innovation and creativity, now transformed into a stage for European-American cultural collaboration.

European-American Cultural Foundation’s Leadership

The evening was made possible through the leadership of the European-American Cultural Foundation (EACF), whose mission is to strengthen bonds between Europe and the United States through art and culture.

Michael Giacalone, Executive Director of EACF, extended a special invitation to Faces of Impact. His leadership in curating high-quality cultural programming underscores the Foundation’s role in advancing transatlantic partnerships and expanding awareness of European cultural values in the United States.

EACF’s vision is reflected in its four core pillars:

• Awareness – raising the profile of European cultural values.

• Engagement – connecting new audiences to the creatives of Europe.

• Programming – fostering meaningful transatlantic dialogue.

• Partnership – cultivating long-term cultural exchange.

Faces of Impact’s Role in Art, Culture, and Global Change

For Faces of Impact, participation in State of the Arts Night was more than a diplomatic event — it was a reflection of its core mission.

“As an artist and cultural advocate, I see events like this as a way to bridge communities, celebrate diversity, and use creativity as a catalyst for progress,” said Artem Shestakov, Founder of Faces of Impact.

The Faces of Impact Art & Culture Division plays a central role in amplifying this vision, dedicated to:

• Showcasing how creativity can drive social and cultural transformation.

• Recognizing changemakers — the true faces of impact.

• Transforming recognition into real-world influence and measurable action.
  
  

From Recognition to Real-World Impact

Faces of Impact places a special focus on harnessing art and culture as tools for recognizing changemakers. Recognition, however, is only the first step.

Through curated storytelling, media partnerships, and international participation, Faces of Impact connects artists, innovators, and leaders to broader movements for social, cultural, and environmental transformation.

This process ultimately helps changemakers:

• Scale their impact through visibility.

• Engage with new audiences across continents.

• Transform creativity into action that produces tangible results.

Spotlight on Cultural Leaders

During the evening, Artem Shestakov engaged with cultural figures including Chris Murray, founder of the renowned Govinda Gallery in Washington, D.C. Murray has curated more than 250 exhibitions worldwide and is recognized as one of the foremost promoters of music photography and contemporary art.

The opportunity to connect with leaders like Murray further underscores how Faces of Impact builds bridges between established cultural institutions and emerging voices.

Why Events Like EU State of the Arts Night Matter

The EU State of the Arts Night VIP Reception represents more than an evening of performances and dialogue. It highlights the role of art and culture in international diplomacy, and the shared belief that creativity can unite continents in ways politics alone cannot.

For the European Union and its partners in Washington, D.C., the event reaffirmed:

• The importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening EU-U.S. relations.

• The power of artistic collaboration to foster mutual understanding.

• The opportunity for innovators and cultural advocates like Faces of Impact to amplify their missions on a global stage.

Conclusion: Creativity as a Bridge Between Continents

Faces of Impact’s presence at the EU State of the Arts Night VIP Reception reaffirmed its dedication to art, culture, and storytelling as engines of change.

The event perfectly aligned with the Faces of Impact Art & Culture Division, which continues to spotlight changemakers and help them transform recognition into measurable impact.

From the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building to embassies across Washington, D.C., the message was clear:
art, creativity, and cultural exchange remain powerful tools for shaping a more connected and impactful world.