The First 10 Years

The centerpiece of our work has been our cultural partnership with Croissy-sur-Seine, France, a beautiful town on the banks of the Seine outside of Paris and the setting for many famous Impressionist paintings. Our French friends — artists, musicians, museum curators, business leaders, and city officials — have visited Geneva on five delegation visits. Artists from Croissy exhibited their work here at Gallery 28 and Water Street Studios. We also hosted the Rive Droite-Rive Gauche jazz group jammed with the Geneva High School Jazz Band. In 2013, children from Croissy and Geneva had the opportunity to paint and exchange scenes of the Fox River and the Seine done in an Impressionist style.

Genevans have traveled across the pond five times. While staying with host families, the Geneva delegation was immersed in the culture and cuisine of the area. A photo exhibition was curated in Croissy featuring pictures of Geneva taken by local photographers. This exhibit, demonstrating the cultural partnership between the two cities, then returned to the Tri-Cities for a successful reception at Water Street Studios.

In order to create more opportunities for cultural connections, the ICEC has introduced French students to the American education system through our "Get to Know Geneva" summer experience. Hosted by Geneva families, French students have enjoyed touring Geneva High School, visiting the Geneva History Museum, playing mini-golf at Wheeler Park, eating pizza and ice cream as well as strolling the streets of our community.

In the past, we have collaborated with the Geneva Chamber of Commerce during Swedish Days where Genevans conversed with Swedes via Skype.

What We Are Doing Now

We are partnering with Geneva schools and cultural institutions to broaden Genevans’ international cultural horizons by:

• Hosting a French delegation visit in fall 2018;
• Collaborating with the Geneva Public Library in presenting foreign films;
• Expanding Croissy/Geneva art exchanges to include elementary, middle and high high school students; and
• Creating a quarterly newsletter highlighting the history and traditions of Croissy and Geneva.

Want To  Get Involved?

The Committee usually meets at 5:15 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month in the Second Floor Conference Room at City Hall, 109 James St. Kindly refer to the Agenda Center for upcoming meeting date; minutes of past meetings can also be found there.

You can also subscribe to the ICEC's online newsletter.

Board Members

Contact Us

If you have a question or would like more information about the International Cultural Exchange Committee, contact Cynthia Albright or Pam Cabeen via email.