Erin Scavino, a former participant on Donald Trump's reality television show "The Apprentice," has been appointed director of the State Department's Art in Embassies program. Her role will involve leveraging patriotic art to communicate America's narrative in observance of the nation's 250th anniversary. Scavino stated in an interview that she views her position as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to elevate American culture alongside American history.
The Art in Embassies program, established in 1964, is responsible for placing American artwork in nearly 190 diplomatic properties worldwide as a component of cultural diplomacy. Scavino, who described herself as a "day one hire" by President Trump, expressed that her appointment is intended to "make visual arts great," drawing a parallel to initiatives aimed at the performing arts.
To mark the nation's semiquincentennial, the program is presenting "Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy." The exhibition, opening July 30 at the Art Museum of the Americas and running through October 18, will feature over 30 contemporary American artists. These artists will explore themes of patriotism, diplomacy, military service, immigration, and national identity through their work. The exhibition, a collaboration between the State Department's Office of Art in Embassies and the American Arts Conservancy, will be free to the public.
Among the displayed works is Barbara Ernst Prey's "Gallantly Streaming," an interpretation of the American flag. Pop artist Romero Britto contributes a reimagining of the Statue of Liberty, rendered in his signature vibrant style. Photographer Korina Marie Moore's series captures moments of military service, focusing on service members and ceremonial duties rather than combat. The exhibition also includes an America 250 haute couture gown, designed by Kate Wasserbach Moore, which is inspired by Betsy Ross's American flag.
Scavino indicated that a key objective for the exhibition was to create an accessible experience for visitors who may not typically engage with art. "Art has become sort of a gatekeeping situation or something that's only for the rich or the elite," she said. "I wanted to say, 'Hey, no. We want kids. We want grandparents. We want moms. We want families. We want dads. We want people all over the world to come to this museum because there is something for everyone.'" Each artwork features QR codes that provide visitors with direct insights from the artists about their creations.
This initiative marks a significant domestic exhibition for the Art in Embassies program, which typically operates internationally. Scavino expressed a desire to establish a more prominent presence for the program within the United States. "I started with a dream because Art in Embassies is generally overseas. I wanted to do something, to start a footprint here in the United States," she said.
Scavino's career transition from reality television to a role in cultural diplomacy reflects a path she attributes to President Trump. "The common thread throughout all of this is President Trump," she stated, thanking him for the opportunities. She also noted the broader impact of her role, stating, "Every time you learn about someone's job, you're actually understanding a whole new universe. That's what's really special about the State Department."