ROMANIA     2003

In late September Jillian Poole, president of The Fund, made a comprehensive survey of Bucharest cultural institutions to ascertain whether there might be a useful role for The Fund in that country. The visit was arranged by the U.S. Embassy and designed as a tour d’horizon of Romanian cultural institutions. Embassy staff provided needed support throughout the visit and The Fund is deeply grateful to them.

Institutions visited:

During the course of the week, she met with the following cross-section of cultural organizations:

National Museum of Art; Museum of the City of Bucharest; Aman Museum; Storck Museum; The Village Museum; The Natural History Museum; The Peasant Museum; Cotroceni Museum; National History Museum; The National Theatre; The Philharmonic; Notaro Theater; Ballet Company of Bucharest National Opera; Bucharest National Opera; and twice with the Ministry of Culture. She also spent a day visiting the cultural institutions in the northern town of Baia Mare.

Future Projects

As a result of these visits, The Fund has under discussion these projects as first priorities for its work in Romania to begin in 2004.

1.   Seminar for museum leaders of Romania to be held at the Village Museum in Bucharest in early summer. Pamela Myers, director of the Asheville N.C. Museum and Bob Workman, former Deputy Director of the Amon Carter Museum have agreed to lead this activity.

2.   The National Theatre. Michael Kahn, Founder and Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theater in D.C., recognized as one of the world’s great Shakespeare Companies, has agreed to go for meetings and consultations with the National Theatre. He has broad experience in presenting classical repertory in non-traditional formats and this is of particular interest to the National Theatre.

3.   Nottara Theater. A project to develop an American musical that would tour Romania seems highly desirable. Discussions on this matter will continue.

4.   National Opera: Maestro Julius Rudel has indicated willingness to assist in the staging and presentations of the American opera Oh Susannah for this company in 2005. Although Maestro Rudel would volunteer for this project, budget would probably be in $100,000 range for two American singers, a voice coach and a production team to teach and demonstrate. This and other production details are under discussion.

5.   Ballet of the National Opera: The Fund is in touch with follow-up in two requested areas.

6.   Reproductions for sale in Museum Shops: The Fund is in discussion over this possibility for both the National History collection and the National Museum of Art with the Metropolitan Museum of Art shop principals.

7.   National Museum, shop options. We are discussing their interests with the U.S. museum shops organization.

8.   Village Museum data collections. We have provided links for their further discussions with US sources.

9.   ‘Managing for Money’ The Fund’s management text is being translated by the Embassy and will be distributed at the summer seminars and elsewhere.