PROGRAM EVALUATION: FUNDED VOLUNTARY VISITOR PROGRAM ON CONSERVATION, FOR MR. FRANZ GRUPP AND MS. ZULLY MERCADO (APRIL 24- MAY 4, 2005)

UNCLAS LIMA 004703 SIPDIS STATE FOR ECA/PE/V/F/A (RMARTIN, MCAIN),INFO WHA/PDA (SLEBENS),WHA/AND (JMONSERRATE) NEW YORK FOR ECA/PE/V/C/N (DSHIRREFFS) E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO PE SUBJECT: PROGRAM EVALUATION: Funded Voluntary Visitor Program on Conservation, for Mr. Franz Grupp and Ms. Zully Mercado (April 24- May 4, 2005) ¶1. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY: Voluntary Visitors (VV) Franz GRUPP and Zully MERCADO participated in subject program to increase their knowledge of protection and preservation of cultural heritage in the United States. This program enhanced their understanding of governmental and non-governmental organizations' efforts to protect and manage threatened cultural treasures, including works of art, archaeological sites and artifacts, and historic structure that illuminate the history and culture of the U.S. ¶2. DATE, FISCAL YEAR AND QUARTER: April 24-May 4, 2005, FY-2005; Third Quarter. ¶3. MISSION PERFORMANCE PLAN THEME: Protection of Cultural Patrimony. ¶4. RESULT/IMPACT: Successful. Both grantees observed a variety of practical museum administration cases, cultural policy, conservation of collections, among other issues. Mr. Grupp mentioned that "Definitely, the U.S. reality on this theme is different from the Peruvian one, but in many cases they have the same problems we have." ¶5. AUDIENCE REACHED: Whenever they have an opportunity, both grantees talk with the community on cultural patrimony protection in Arequipa about the experience acquired in the VV program. They are sure that they can now give better advice on how to solve part of the varied problems they run into. Upon their return, the Arequipa Bishop and the religious community requested their advice to prepare their exhibits. ¶6. OFFICER INTERPRETER: "We had the pleasure of having Mrs. Martha Allen as our interpreter. She is very professional, has a pleasant personality, and is well organized, resulting in being a key contact during appointments, and even when sharing our free time with her." ¶7. QUALITY OF SUPPORT FROM ECA: The visitors' goals were accomplished, and exceeded their expectations. Mr. Grupp and Mrs. Mercado mentioned they were grateful for receiving a detailed orientation from Mrs. Rhonda Martin, at the Voluntary Visitors Division in Washington. ¶8. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM: Besides visiting museums during the program, they had the opportunity to talk with experienced people in charge of conservation and museum management. They had an enjoyable evening of home hospitality in Los Angeles, where their hosts were very cordial and knowledgeable in U.S. culture. ¶9. LONG-TERM RESULTS: Both grantees are continually sharing what they observed during the program with their Peruvian colleagues, especially on public access to U.S. museums and exhibitions. Mr. Grupp and Mrs. Mercado plan to use different techniques in order to attract more people to visit their museums. "The multiplying effect of spreading our experience in the U.S. is generating changes in the museum policy in Arequipa." ¶10. COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: "The program was intense and the free time was reduced, but anyway, the VV grantees managed to visit important museums which were not included in their program." STRUBLE