Live Report from the United States: Performing Arts for Young Audiences in a Changing Political Landscape

The United States is undergoing rapid cultural policy shifts during Donald Trump’s second term. The decision to once again leave UNESCO, along with sweeping cuts to programs connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion, is profoundly affecting the country’s cultural sector. For the performing arts—especially for children and young audiences—this means new conditions in which artistic freedom, funding, and content come under increasing political pressure.

At the same time, major differences can be seen between states. Some are defending cultural investment and continuing to develop inclusive projects, while others are introducing restrictions that lead to self-censorship, canceled productions, and reduced access to artistic expression. In the midst of this, professional performing arts companies, educators, and freelance artists are trying to navigate a landscape marked by uncertainty but also by resilience and creativity.

At Bibu, we offer the audience a direct report from the U.S. performing arts field: How is children’s access to culture being affected? What strategies are emerging to defend artistic space? And what lessons can the Swedish performing arts sector draw from developments in the United States when artistic freedom is challenged?

The conversation will be held in English.

Panel:

• Alric Davis, freelance actor, Texas
• Shanara Gabrielle, Artistic Director, Theater Alliance, Washington, D.C.
• Eric Johnson, Artistic Director, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, Hawai‘i

Moderator:

• Stefan Hansen, Cultural Counselor, Embassy of Sweden in the United States

Organizer:

• Embassy of Sweden in the United States