FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gigi Lamm
Public Relations Manager
215-972-2031
glamm@pafa.org
Digital images available upon request.
PHILADELPHIA—On November 13, 2009, over 125 guests attended the Chile – United States Symposium: The Bi-Lateral Relationship in Trade, Commerce, and Culture held in the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ (PAFA) Historic Landmark Building.
The symposium was conducted in conjunction with PAFA’s Bacchanal! 2009 Wine Auction and Gala, which took place on November 14. Now in its eleventh consecutive year in support of Academy student scholarship programs, the event features internationally distinguished winemakers and celebrity chefs. Bacchanal! 2009 celebrated the food and wine of Chile and raised $405,000. Since July 2009, PAFA has raised over $1 million in scholarship aid.
The November 13 symposium addressed the vibrant trade, economic, and investment opportunities that exist between Chile and the United States as well as collaborations in the fields of agriculture, natural resources and energy, legal and financial services, cross border and tax policies, labor migration, and additional areas.
“Chile is very proud of its accomplishments as a global neighbor to enhance our citizens' access to education and our current standing as having an economy that is among the most developed in the world,” stated symposium participant The Honorable José Goñi, Chilean Ambassador to United the States. “We are very thankful to PAFA for hosting this symposium, and for the graciousness of the City of Philadelphia.”
Joining Ambassador Goñi for the panel discussion were Mr. Walter Kemmsies, Ph.D., Chief Global Economist, Moffat & Nichol; Mr. Mark Kristoff, CEO, Traxys Worldwide; Señor Aurelio Montes, Chairman, Viña Montes and recipient of PAFA’s prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award which was conferred during the Bacchanal! gala; Mr. Timothy Speiss, Partner, Eisner LLP (symposium moderator); and Ms. Lori Tieszen, Executive Director, Wines of Chile U.S.A.
Apropos of Bacchanal!’s featuring Chilean wines, Aurelio Montes stated, "In Chile we have long known that our country has great geography and other factors that enable the production of world class wine. I am very proud that Viña Montes has been honored by PAFA with the 2009 Thomas Jefferson Award." Lori Tieszen, said, "Chilean wines are now clearly recognized as among the finest in the world, and we believe greater share will be attained in the future."
Energy and agriculture were also addressed during the panel discussion, with Mark Kristoff commenting, "Chile is rich in minerals and natural resources including copper and rare earth which will continue to increase in value around the world as a source of efficient green energy.” Walter Kemmsies noted that "It is clear Chile is, and will continue to grow in prominence as, a contributor to the global economy in the areas of agricultural exports and trade."
The symposium was sponsored by Eisner LLP and Traxys North America. PAFA is also thankful for the support of the symposium by Wines of Chile and Di Bruno Bros.
Symposium moderator and PAFA Trustee Timothy Speiss said that “The Academy was proud to host this discussion on Chile's participation in global economic, cultural, and trading collaboration.”
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Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is America's oldest continually operating school of fine arts and museum. A recipient of the 2005 National Medal of Arts presented by the President of the United States of America, the Academy is a recognized leader in fine arts education. Nearly every major American artist has taught, studied, or exhibited at the Academy. The institution's world-class collection of American art continues to grow and provides what only a few other art institutions in the world offer: the rare combination of an outstanding museum and an extraordinary faculty known for its commitment to students and for the stature and quality of its artistic work.
Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Academy is located at 118-128 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia. Admission to Permanent Collection is Adults $10, Seniors & Students with I.D. $8, Youth ages 5-18, $6. Admission to Special Exhibitions (includes Permanent Collection) is Adults $15, Seniors & Students with I.D. $12, Youth Ages 5-18, $8. Admission is free for members and children under age of 5. Admission to Morris Gallery exhibitions is free.