Luciano Pavarotti, Rod Stewart, Bono, Bon Jovi, Angelina Jolie --all “Diplomat Artists” in his/her own right. In “Diplomat Artist” we will take a look at some of the more recent as well as longer standing, obscure, or established works of film, art, music, stage, sports, and prose that reflect the intersection between diplomacy and artistic expression. The diplomatic message is in the Art. “Luciano Pavarotti” (12 October 1935 – 6 September 2007) was the inspiration for “Diplomat Artist” and the true personification for the nomenclature. The term was first coined by Ambassador Muhamed (Mo) Sacirbey. The project and affiliated Face Book and Web TV’s associated are his tribute to Luciano Pavarotti. Following is a column by Muhamed (Mo) Sacirbey, written January 2009, which will be presented in two parts. It provides a synopsis for the concept and the movers and shakers of the diplomatic/artistic world who embody it. We invite your comments. Your feedback on others you perceive to be “diplomat artists” will be considered for future profiles. ----Ciao, Susan Sacirbey Follow me on Face Book: “DIPLOMAT ARTIST” or “DIPLOMATICALLY INCORRECT” TWITTER @ DiplomaticallyX “LUCIANO PAVAROTTI, A DIPLOMAT ARTIST” By, Muhamed Sacirbey January 8, 2009 The World a stage probably fit no other artist more than Luciano Pavarotti. His stage for the world was the other side of Pavarotti. He engaged his talents and fame as the ambassador for the Globe's most vulnerable, disempowered by the conspiracies of nature, man and fortune. A NEW FATURE ON ART AS DIPLOMATIC DISCOURSE This will be an ongoing column taking a closer peek and providing some perspective on the role of film, art, music, stage and prose as diplomatic discourse. Fame has become the meeting ground between politics and popular culture. Celebrity has become the spokesperson for various national and international causes. It happened way before Bono, Clooney, Pitt, and Jolie. It is neither necessarily left nor right, or for that matter politically neutral. Audrey Hepburn and Peter Ustinoff had become the elegant spokespersons for UNICEF. This is not though just about celebrity as a spokesperson or fundraiser but rather film, art, books and music supplementing or being the substance of diplomatic discourse. The United Nations has been the Globe's diplomatic platform for over six decades now. Initially, it was almost an exclusive realm for professional diplomats. Diplomats would deliberate pressing issues within the horseshoe shaped formal chamber of the Security Council. More likely, though, the real debate would occur in nonpublic chambers and be dominated by the "P-5," the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. The UN General Assembly encompasses all member states of the United Nations and is presumably the more egalitarian counterpart to the Security Council where all have an equal vote. It was the globe's stage as the world's political and diplomatic leaders stepped up to the raised speaker's podium at the front of the Hall. There were only a few occasions though when the globe's citizens more broadly were drawn to watch: Fidel Castro mesmerized with his theatrical oratory, and Nikita Khrushchev pounded his shoe on his plinth, giving his heel to diplomatic protocol. Then, there was the moment that Rod Stewart almost three decades earlier was afforded the stage, after hours to hold a televised concert to benefit the world's children. "DO YOU THINK I'M SEXY" As Rod Stewart danced, pranced and solicited with his song: "Do You Think I'm Sexy," at the head of the UN General Assembly, the Hall's podium was transformed from diplomatic protocol to that speaking the language of art, or, perhaps in some people's view, stooping to popular culture. More lasting than the memory of Rod in spandex though was the performance as testimonial to what the United Nations could reach even if perhaps stooping in some opinions. While being entertained, many, at least, were also being exposed to the plight of the most vulnerable in our world. Both the children to be helped and the audience urged to step into the void seemed empowered by not so much the song but the attention bestowed upon a stage normally utilized for staid diplomatic speech. It was perhaps odd, but at the time I thought a fitting meeting point between diplomacy and popular culture. The performance may have appeared in conflict with traditional diplomacy generally reserved on this podium for ambassadors, ministers, and sovereigns; but it was this apparent contradiction that in fact may have inspired more attention for the worthy benefit cause and simultaneously rendering the platform more relevant as a world stage. REACHING & CONTENDING FOR A GLOBAL AUDIENCE: SOUND BITE LIKE A HOOK IN A POPULAR TUNE In the 1990's I would appear on the same podium addressing the world assembly on matters of political and human rights, from genocide to international justice. The issues were pressing and somber, and I had the platform of the suffering people of Bosnia & Herzegovina, (BiH), to boost my message. Speakers from the podium, unlike Rod Stewart, were largely limited by the traditional language of diplomacy enclosed by protocol. While this language could offer more cultivated dialogue, it also could mute or diffuse the urgency and relevance of the message. However, it was not just the matter of protocol but also the manner of delivery. On each occasion that I presented the case, Bosnia & Herzegovina and its victimized people were contending for attention not only with other issues of political, military or human rights significance but also the tug of popular culture. The technology of communication has been transformed, but with this revolution we are also emerging with a collective global “Attention Deficit Disorder.” It is up to the diplomat and advocate to not only speak but to be heard. Substance is only part of the consideration. Brief is more likely to be cited, broadcast and heard. Diplomatic vocabulary may need to be enlarged. Tone and rhythm is as critical to the short, allotted time given to words. A presentation before the UN Security Council may need to be edgy without undue insult or furthering tension, perhaps more like a musical composition rather than a confrontational statement. The "sound bite" consciously planted in a diplomat's speech can be as effective as a good "hook" in a popular song. DIPLOMAT-ARTIST A diplomat, in order to be heard, may need to have the sensibilities of an artist. It is more likely though that an artist can employ his skills on behalf of diplomacy or a preferred cause. "Live Aid" delivered music in the cause of raising awareness and feeding the hungry in the mid-1980s. Only a couple of years later, the artistic community was heard by first not performing in South Africa's Sun City, and then it heralded the boycott into a rallying cry against apartheid. This was a period when it had become fashionable for artists to disengage, declaring that they were artists and not about politics. Nonetheless, it was becoming no longer cool to be ignorant or casual. An artist could be an activist and not be considered "uptight." Could an artist though claim his/her professed calling without being involved, or at least politically aware? This did not necessarily translate into setting aside the art or its frequently ambiguous, even relaxed methodology to convey a grave message. Art on its own in fact may best convey a cause, and not be overbearing or appear contrived. Whether through film, canvas, music or prose, the artist can maintain the audience's interest and convey a message that is retained both intellectually and emotionally. Through the eminence of his/her art as well as celebrity's attributes, the artist can claim the media's attention when calls for action by politicians and NGOs could be lost in diplomatic language or simply a glut of worthy and superficial news stories all competing for attention. "LUCIANO PAVAROTTI & FRIENDS" Luciano Pavarotti did not need the United Nations as a stage, even if he was a "Goodwill Ambassador." He was welcome as artist and personality regardless of culture and politics. He perhaps was perceived as a fickle performer for hire, but he was devoted with his talents and person to his humanitarian commitments. …..……END of PART 1 To be Continued………………… For a 30-minute film presentation about “Diplomat Artist” you may like to watch diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/diplomat-artist/20410. Here, the world of diplomacy, art, and popular culture are ever more converging. If not the performance talent of an artist, the diplomat increasingly must be endowed with the sensibilities of an artist. Similarly, the artist seeks inspiration as well as meaning in going beyond the bounds of stage and canvas. Sasha Toperich, world recognized classical musician and diplomat, Ambassador Muhamed "mo" Sacirbey, Bosnian/Herzegovinian Foreign Minister and UN Representative and Charles Sanders, Songwriters Guild of America legal counsel and musician speak of the evolving definition. http: www.diplomatartist.com http: www.diplomaticallyincorrect.org