Annenberg Center Executive and Artistic Director Christopher Gruits has been selected as an Eisenhower Fellow in the 2020 USA Fellowship Program and will be one of 10 highly accomplished professionals from the fields of education, finance, the arts and technology who will travel overseas, broadening their horizons as they pursue individual projects that will generate lasting impact in their communities. The USA Fellows will meet with Eisenhower Fellows abroad, unlocking a lifelong connection to an influential global network of likeminded change agents. 

Now in its 66th year and named for America’s 34th president, Eisenhower Fellowships bring together innovative leaders from all fields from around the globe who tackle big challenges to better the world around them. Since 1953, more than 2,400 mid-career leaders from 115 countries have benefited from the unique, customized experience of an Eisenhower Fellowship. 

Mr. Gruits’ fellowship will revolve around travel to South Africa and Singapore to work toward developing a Global Artists Project (GAP) to be integrated into the Annenberg Center, which will provide an opportunity for a significant international artist or ensemble to work within Philadelphia communities. GAP would leverage the educational and programmatic resources of the Annenberg Center and Penn, along with the creative work of the artists. Mr. Gruits’ fellowship aims to redefine community engagement, enhance cross-cultural programming and serve audiences not previously engaged in the performing arts. Another goal for the project is to create a network of individuals to share critical artistic work across music, theatre, dance and film, as well as program structures and suggestions for developing community engagement and cross-cultural understanding.