U.S. PHOTOGRAPHER IN INTERNATIONAL PHOTO FESTIVAL IN

UNCLAS LIMA 004755 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/PDA (MDCONNERS/GADAMS/SLEBENS) E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO PE SUBJECT: U.S. PHOTOGRAPHER IN INTERNATIONAL PHOTO FESTIVAL IN LIMA ¶1. PAS sponsored the visit of U.S. photographer Jay Manis to participate in the International Photo Festival, held in Lima during October and November 2005. During his visit, Mr. Manis presented an exhibition at the Miraflores City Hall Gallery, gave a conference on his 9/11 public art project, and exchanged ideas for future collaboration with the directors of the most important photo institute in the city, "El Ojo Ajeno." Media coverage was extensive. ¶2. On Wednesday October 26, the Mayor of Miraflores attended the opening of Mr. Manis' show and complemented his work, composed of 80 images of New York 9/11 and other photographs taken during previous trips to Peru. Representatives from "El Ojo Ajeno," local artists, and community members also attended the gallery opening. On Thursday, October 27, Mr. Manis gave a lecture on his 9/11 project called "Here is New York" for an audience of 50 people. During his 60-minute presentation, he showed a Ground Zero video and projected various works from other American artists who participated in the project. He publicly thanked the Embassy for supporting his visit to Peru. ¶3. Media coverage: On October 11, Daily serious tabloid Correo, (circulation 70.000,) published an encouraging note on the Miraflores International Photo Festival, acknowledging the importance of embassies' support for its success. On Wednesday October 26, Daily tabloid La Primera (circulation 4,000,) published a long article and photograph on the artist's work. Leading dailies El Comercio, La Repblica, La Razn, El Vocero, La Primera, and Peru 21 also covered the program. ¶4. Results: This program directly supported the Post's democracy y MPP goal and helped to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Peru and the U.S. The program reminded the public of the atrocities of 9/11 and the importance of fighting terrorism, specifically in the district of Miraflores, that experienced one of the worse civil attacks during the country's 20-year terrorist civil war. ¶5. U.S. support: Post used FY06 program funds to pay for Mr. Manis' International ticket, while local institutions covered perdiem. STRUBLE