Bridging Cultures Through Education and the Arts

July 28, 2025

Last month, I had the extraordinary honor of representing Perpich Center for Arts Education and the State of Minnesota as part of an education delegation to China. Sponsored by the Chinese government and the Confucius Institute of Minnetonka, the trip brought together a small group of Minnesota education leaders – including MDE Deputy Commissioner Angela Mansfield and superintendents and educational leaders from St. Cloud, Edina, Minnetonka, Richfield, Eden Prairie, and North St. Paul–Maplewood–Oakdale School Districts – to strengthen international relationships and explore potential partnerships.

The MN Education Delegation poses with Capital Normal University faculty and principals that presented from three Beijing Area schools

Over the course of 10 days, we traveled through Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, visiting schools, universities, and cultural sites. We met with leaders from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, Capital Normal University (a leading teacher-training college), and several schools eager to form international collaborations. The conversations about arts education were particularly energizing – Chinese students have access to both traditional and contemporary art forms, during and beyond the school day.

Allegra Smisek exchanging gifts with the head of Hangzhou Foreign Languages School

At every stop, I proudly shared the mission of Perpich and the extraordinary talent and passion of our students and staff. This journey reminded me that art is a universal language – one that fosters understanding, connection, and diplomacy.

Among the many inspiring moments, one highlight was developing ideas to support the many American music and arts specialists working in Chinese immersion schools in Minnesota. I’m excited to pursue opportunities for exchanges, virtual training, and professional development that will enrich educators and students on both sides of the globe.

此致敬礼 (Best regards),

Allegra Smisek