Uruguay Foundation Becoming Model For Arts Development Programs by Heather Nalbone Thereís never a shortage of activity among Washingtonís foreign embassies and cultural institutions. Recently, for example, locals could choose from botanical art at the Embassy of Japan, photography at the Brazilian-American Cultural Institute, a string quartet at the Embassy of Austria, as well as dozens of other performances and presentations. Then thereís Uruguay. Just a short walking distance from the bustle of Embassy Row is another smaller cultural venue that is rapidly gaining status comparable to that of Washingtonís larger embassies and cultural establishments. The Uruguay Cultural Foundation for the Arts is nestled in a somewhat unlikely location, sharing a downtown block with Davidís Hair Salon and Pro Photo Repairs and Sales Shop. But three years after its introduction, the establishment is drawing a crowd that seems to grow with each of its monthly exhibits. In the words of exhibition coordinator Florencia Sader, a main part of the foundationís mission is to ìdevelop artistic and cu ltural programs that benefit the community of Washington.î Although the goal is not all that different from other cross-cultural programs, the range and quality of artwork springing from this tiny country is in some ways a marvel. ìUruguay has more painters per square foot than any other country in the world,î Ambassador Hugo Fern·ndez Faingold said of the nationís roughly 3 million residents. A recent exhibit at the foundationís SalÛn de las Artes is representative of just how varied the countryís art is. From Roberto Pirizís wood objects to Gustavo Serraís oil paintings and Daniel Batallaís contemporary canvases, the range of skill is broad. Diego Donnerís plaster and paint carvings featured in a collaborative exhibit at the World Bank remind one of ancient cave drawings. ìSome other countries have sports or music,î the ambassador told a recent group of visitors. ìUruguay has art.î In addition to occasional film screenings and educational sessions, the foundation organizes monthly presentations that highlight works by two or three artists. This monthís exhibit will be the organizationís 14th since it became an official nonprofit entity in late 2001. Without the ample cash flow of neighboring Brazil and other large countries, exposing Americans to Uruguayan culture has posed a challenge to the embassy for years. The manpower and gallery halls needed to run regular exhibits can be costly, especially for small nations with limited resources. The foundation was the embassyís low-budget answer to those barriers. As employees of an independent nonprofit organization, Sader and her colleagues can collect corporate sponsorship and sales commission, as well as membership fees gathered in exchange for discounts on artwork purchases and other activities. A handful of volunteers help with daily duties and Web site maintenance. Marketing techniques involve long mailing lists and small billboard-like signs to catch the attention of passersby, as well as free Uruguayan wine and hors díoeuvres served at every opening. The approach has attracted a diverse group of Washington residents, among them 24-year-old Jared Miller and six of his friends. What Miller had to say about the foundation and its staff echoed the sentiments of several other visitors. ìIím interested in art from a pedestrian standpoint,î Miller said. ìThatís why I come here. Itís accommodating, and there are people here to explain the art.î Officially, the foundation is independent of the embassy. In practice, the two are intertwined. The 886-sq.-ft. SalÛn de las Artes is housed in the same building as the embassy itself, in a rectangular room below the busy diplomatic offices. The embassyís cultural counselor joins foundation employees and volunteers regularly to brainstorm ideas, and they often work together when introducing the artists to curators in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. Artists are selected for membership and exhibitions with help from the foundationís curator in Uruguay, and the ambassador provides room and board when they travel to Washington to discuss their works. The system has worked so well, according to those in charge, that attachÈs around town are starting to catch on. The organization has received informational inquiries from the embassies of Israel, Azerbaijan, Portugal and other Latin American countries interested in developing similar models. Employees and volunteers speak proudly of their accomplishments, including plans to introduce chapters in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York and San Juan. ìI would stay here to work through the night if I could,î said Viviana Diaz, a full-time volunteer. ìThis job is so interesting.î But employees arenít the only ones who speak with enthusiasm. Although some guests admit to visiting primarily for the free wine, others speak of the gallery as though it were a hidden cache. World Bank treasurer and art lover Norsiah Sumardi discovered the foundation during her walk home from work one evening, when she noticed an exhibit opening sign placed in front of the entrance. She ended up purchasing several pieces and has rarely missed an exhibit since. ì[The foundation] seems to have a good eye,î Sumardi said during a recent exhibit. ìTo be successful you need to have a good eye for art. But then,î she added, ìUruguay has such great art.î The Uruguay Cultural Foundation for the Arts is located at 1913 I St., NW. For more information, please call (202) 331-1313 or visit www.geocities.com/ucffa. Heather Nalbone is a freelance writer in Silver Spring, Md.