For The World To See - Mike Breen

​So thrilled to have been a part of this..."Yesterday, @globaltiesaz hosted a very special art exchange/home hospitality event for the IVLP Project: "Promoting Social Change Through the Arts."
The delegation was thrilled to meet 3 local Phoenix Artists including Ms. Ann Morton, Local Artist; Mr. Mario Garcia, Arabic Calligraffiti Artist; & Mr. Mike Breen, Singer/Songwriter.
To promote intentional and more intimate conversations, the delegation was divided into 3 breakout rooms; a local artist was placed in each room. Here, the IVLP delegates and local artists engaged in an art exchange, where they shared a piece of music, performance, spoken word, work, etc. that was meaningful to their lives and creative journey. At the end of the art exchange, to mimic a traditional and in-person home hospitality, the small groups transitioned into informal dialogues concerning individual lifestyles, families, career goals, aspirations and more.
"As artists, we are all speaking the same language no matter where we are from and it is that common thread that enables us to connect, share and encourage each other to keep creating in whatever form to entertain, inspire and bring people closer."
- Mike Breen, Local Singer/Songwriter
The session ended with a large group collaborative and impromptu song with the lyrics: "Art brings us together, regardless of where we are. From Jordan, Egypt, Palestinian Territories, Bangladesh, Burma, Hong Kong, Israel, Malaysia, Tanzania, Morocco, Nepal, Tajikistan and India to the USA - Art brings bridges our cultures.”
The staff at GTAZ were humbled to conclude the delegation's time in Phoenix with such a powerful session.
Thank you to the @statedept, our tech support, liaisons, our local artists (@qlmdesigns @mikebreenguitar and Ms. Ann Morton), @fhi360 and all @stateivlp delegates for engaging in such meaningful and impactful dialogue with the goal of bettering our world."

Had a fantastic time performing with Bill and Austin Dutcher on Tuesday, July 27th.  What a great venue.