FY 2026 Stewards of Cultural Heritage

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to develop and implement a program that will convene cultural ministers from key countries at an iconic location in the United States for high-level discussions on cultural heritage and cultural property protection as part of the State Department’s programming to mark America’s 250th birthday. The program will introduce foreign participants to U.S. advancements in cultural property protection and preservation, strengthen commercial diplomacy, and accelerate coordination between ECA and U.S. law enforcement. Some key aspects of the program include: * Showcasing innovation and new technologies of the U.S. private sector and other American institutions in the cultural heritage field * Strengthening cooperation in combating art and antiquities trafficking * Using cultural heritage to amplify global narratives on America’s foundational values * Producing concrete follow-on steps to advance the program’s agenda * Featuring U.S. models, standards, and best practices * Strengthening relationships with key countries in the cultural heritage field