WHO WE ARE
OUR MISSION & HISTORY
At the Global Arts Initiative, we believe in the power of world music to inspire, connect, and transform lives.
Founded in 2015 with the launch of the Ghana National Music Festival, the GAI began as an international celebration of musical heritage and has since grown into a dynamic nonprofit that champions cultural exchange and music education around the globe.
We are dedicated to providing young and underserved musicians access to mentorship, educational, and performance opportunities they need to develop their talents and pursue their dreams. Over the years, we’ve partnered with leading symphonies, ensembles, and global artists to curate impactful programs across continents—from community concerts and school residencies to cross-cultural workshops and festivals.
Whether in a classroom in coastal Georgia or on stage in Ghana, our mission remains the same: to use music as a vehicle for impactful change that bridges cultural divides.
OUR IMPACT
Since launching the Ghana National Music Festival in 2015, the Global Arts Initiative has empowered young musicians through transformative opportunities in education, performance, and cultural exchange. Over the past five years, the festival has reached more than 150 students across Ghana, many of whom had never had access to professional training. More than a dozen have gone on to pursue music professionally—a powerful testament to the lasting impact of our work. One of our proudest milestones was the presentation of the first-ever Guitar Concerto in Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra, showcasing the possibilities that arise when education and artistry converge.
Building on this foundation, we’ve expanded our reach through our U.S.-based programming, including the Cultural Crossroads Concert and Workshop Series. Through dozens of curated concerts and dynamic educational experiences, we’ve brought world-renowned artists into communities across the country, sparking cultural dialogue and deepening appreciation for global music traditions. Our newest initiatives—a school-based residency program and free access to music lessons—continues this mission by embedding global music instruction into classrooms, ensuring that underserved students have access to the world’s music and the inspiration to pursue their own creative paths.
