03/23/2026
Cervantes Foundation and the New Orleans Jazz Museum Announce Cultural Exchange Mission to Barcelona
Metairie, LA-Cervantes Hispanic-American Arts Foundation, in partnership with the New Orleans Jazz Museum, is proud to announce an international cultural exchange mission to Barcelona, Spain, taking place April 6–10, 2026, to promote New Orleans culture and music and to strengthen the ties between the United States and Spain at the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. This initiative will feature acclaimed New Orleans clarinetist and historian Dr. Michael White, who will serve as a cultural ambassador for the city’s rich musical heritage.
During the visit, Dr. White will perform and engage with audiences at two distinguished institutions: the Liceu Conservatory and the Instituto de Estudios Norteamericanos. These performances and educational exchanges are designed to highlight the deep roots of New Orleans jazz while fostering dialogue and collaboration with Spain’s vibrant arts community.
Dr. Michael White is internationally recognized as one of the leading traditional jazz clarinetists of his generation. As an artist, educator, and cultural historian, he has dedicated his career to preserving and advancing New Orleans jazz. As a longtime professor at Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. White has mentored countless musicians while performing on stages around the world, representing the authentic spirit of New Orleans music.
Delegates from both the Cervantes Hispanic-American Arts Foundation and the New Orleans Jazz Museum will accompany Dr. White on this mission. The trip will be documented to capture the artistic exchange and cultural connections formed throughout the experience, with the goal of sharing these moments with audiences in both cities.
This project is made possible in part by a grant from the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Foundation whose support underscores the importance of cultural diplomacy and international collaboration in promoting New Orleans as a global cultural destination.
“This exchange represents an exciting step in strengthening the cultural bridge between New Orleans and Barcelona,” said representatives of the organizing institutions. “Our vision is to create lasting relationships that will lead to future artistic presentations, collaborations, and opportunities for artists in both cities.”
By building these international connections, the initiative aims to celebrate shared cultural values while opening new pathways for artistic expression and exchange across borders.
