Cablegate: U.S. Photographer in International Photo Festival In

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

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

© Scoop Media