U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Spotlight: Congratulations to U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Cameron McKinney, selected as 2026 Delegate for the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program

The Japan- United States Friendship Commission (JUSFC) and the National Endowment for the Arts congratulates 2019-2020 U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Fellow Cameron McKinney on being selected as a Delegate to the 2026 US-Japan Leadership Program (USJLP), a distinguished cross-sector network of American and Japanese leaders committed to deepening mutual understanding between the two nations. 2026 Delegate for the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program by the United States - Japan Foundation. The U.S.-Japan Leadership Program is a cross-sector network connecting more than 500 rising American and Japanese leaders from business, the arts, government, philanthropy, academic and beyond.

During his time as a fellow on the JUSFC and National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)-funded U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Fellowship Program, Mr. McKinney developed a lasting artistic partnership During his time as a "NichiBei Creative Artist team" under JUSFC's U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Fellowship Program, McKinney developed long-lasting ties with Kobe-based choreographer Toru Shimazaki, creating a jointly choreographed project, SAFE HARBOR, in 2024. This work features ten dancers and is one of the three core repertory works of Mr. McKinney's company, Kizuna Dance. Last week, Kizuna Dance premiered SAFE HARBOR in New York City.

Since 1978, JUSFC and the NEA have supported U.S. and Japanese artists in building long-lasting partnerships. Messrs. McKinney and Shimazaki's ongoing collaboration, and Mr. McKinney's selection as a 2026 Delegate for the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program are testaments to the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and Japan.

The full announcement is available at on U.S.J.F's website.