Abstract

Globalization and a growing foreign population have placed Denmark in a challenging transition from a homogeneous to a culturally diverse society. This requires citizens and policy makers to rethink the significance of cultural diversity within the country as it sheds light on “domestic” aspects of cultural diplomacy. This study answers the following questions: What are some of the existing intercultural arts projects addressing cultural diversity? How might the principles and theories of cultural diplomacy be applied to domestic cultural exchange? How might Denmark better address cultural diversity within the country building on these theories? A qualitative approach was applied, including literature review, case studies, and interviews with organizers of three intercultural projects. The author finds that Denmark’s participation in the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, even if passive at the governmental level, has allowed and inspired grass roots activities. Moreover, the principles of successful cultural diplomacy seem to be also relevant to the success of the projects addressing domestic cultural diversity. Finally, the paper suggests that the successful implementation of the UNESCO Convention could provide a nexus for connecting diversity, diplomacy, and domestic cultural exchange, which could lead to a more peaceful society both within and outside the country.