Art World Celebrates U.S. Department of State's Art in Embassies' 50th Anniversary Today

In honor of the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations' Office of Art in Embassies (AIE) 50th anniversary, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will host a luncheon at 12:15 p.m. today, November 30th in the State Department's Diplomatic Reception Rooms to recognize AIE's achievements. The AIE mission is two-fold – to create the highest quality art exhibitions for ambassador residences, embassies, and consulates overseas, and to further the Department's cultural diplomacy outreach through the sponsorship of artist exchanges that foster cross-cultural understanding.

The Secretary will also recognize five American and International Artists, each of whom has demonstrated an enduring commitment to the AIE mission: Jeff Koons, Cai Guo-Qiang, Shahzia Sikander, Kiki Smith, and Carrie Mae Weems. The Secretary will award the five honorees with the first U.S. Department of State Medal of Arts for their outstanding commitment to AIE and to international cultural exchange.