Cultural Affairs

Cultural Property

The Cultural Affairs Office of the United States Embassy in Guatemala is actively involved in helping Guatemala preserve its cultural patrimony and heritage. The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 1997, which was extended in 2002. The Memorandum of Understanding pledges U.S. Customs assistance in intercepting the illegal importation of artifacts into the United States and requests Government of Guatemala facilitation of legitimate loan requests from U.S. Museums. To date, the U.S. has returned numerous pieces to Guatemala and Guatemala has loaned objects to U.S. museums, as agreed in the MOU.

Recent exhibits in the United States featuring Maya archaeological objects:

• Treasures of Sacred Maya Kings
  Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
• Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya
  Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
• Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya
  National Gallery of Art

Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation

The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) was established in 2001 to help countries preserve cultural heritage. Congress noted, "...cultural preservation offers an opportunity to show a different American face to other countries, one that is non-commercial, non-political, and non-military. By taking a leading role in efforts to preserve cultural heritage, we show our respect for other cultures." The AFCP permits U.S. ambassadors in certain countries to submit proposals for one-time or recurring projects that assist in preserving their cultural heritage. Grants typically range from US$10,000 to US$30,000. The Cultural Affairs Office is responsible for the management of the Ambassador's Fund in Guatemala.

Recent projects funded by the AFCP in Guatemala:

• National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (MUNAE)