US embassy cable - 05LIMA4703

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