Washington, Oct 19 (IANS): As part of America's "smart power diplomacy" initiative, 15 American artists and collaborative artist teams will visit 15 countries including India to engage in people-to-people diplomacy through the visual arts.

The launch of the new "smARTpower" initiative between US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Bronx Museum of the Arts was announced here Tuesday.

"smARTpower builds on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's vision of 'smart power diplomacy', which embraces the use of a full range of diplomatic tools - in this case the visual arts - to bring people together and foster greater understanding," the State Department said.

For up to 45 days during the next year, 15 American artists will travel to all corners of the globe, where they will partner with local arts organisations to engage with underserved youth and create community-based projects.

In India, smARTpower artist Caroline Woolard of Brooklyn, New York will partner with Khoj, an artist led, alternative forum for experimentation and international exchange. KHOJ is part of the global Triangle Arts Trust.

Besides India, the artists will travel to China, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Venezuela.