by guest contributor Shelley Hymes
Photo credit: Geoff Chesman
“Working in conjunction with the Delegation of the European Union and its member states, E-ACF programs will bring the beauty of very diverse cultures to every generation, and particularly younger generations, through authentic experiences.” said Susan C. Lehrman, Founding Board Member of E-ACF.
Founding Board Member Douglas W. Charnas, Susan Carmel Lehrman, E-ACF Executive Director Kimberly Heatherington, E-ACF Senior Advisor Roland Celette, Annie Seys, President of the Board, Alliance Francaise DC
“I am committed to the expansion and strengthening of international relations through culture and the arts because I am certain it will lead to a more peaceful and successful future.” Lehrman is best known as an American philanthropist who received the Fulbright Award for contributing to international diplomacy, specifically Russia-US cultural ties.
“The cultural efforts I find most compelling have a fundamental focus on helping to make the world a better place, and for me that means having a particular emphasis on young people and future generations,” she added. “I truly believe that subsequent generations in particular will need to find a better way to understand and accept different cultures and backgrounds. Cultural understanding will help younger generations to achieve an open mind rather than resorting to stereotypes. The E-ACF will help to share, preserve and strengthen our respective cultural heritages.”
Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr. Associate Justice of the Supreme Court with “Lucky” Roosevelt, former Chief of Protocol
The European-American Cultural Foundation is a newly created organization focused on strengthening cultural bonds and collaboration between the European Union and EU Member States with the United States.
Ambassador João Vale de Almeida
“Culture is the tie that binds people and countries,” said Ambassador João Vale de Almeida, Head of the European Union Delegation to the United States. “It highlights common values and aspirations, creativity and innovation, and sustains and promotes political, economic, and commercial relations. This Foundation aims at facilitating and enlarging the possibilities for cultural interaction between Americans and Europeans, supporting the diverse initiatives already undertaken by national administrations, embassies, cultural agents, and business on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The spectacular event at the Library of Congress featured a first-ever seen video about the E-ACF introduced and produced by Susan Lehrman, a concert duet featuring pianists David Lively and Nima Sarkechik and a signature dessert created especially for the event by Chef Daniel Boulud.
Kimberly Heatherington emphasized the importance of cultural relations by adding, “Culture, the arts, and dialogue are not optional extras — they are essential elements of expression and exchange, and they influence almost every sector of society. The new European-American Cultural Foundation recognizes that reality in the historically rich context of an enduring transatlantic relationship. This is not simply about a shared history. It is also about a dynamic future in which culture plays a leading role, because culture has the capacity to create deeper understanding.”
Hon.and Mrs. Bart Gordon, Dr. Susan Blumenthal and Evelyn DiBona
