OK, then. Just received the latest postcard from Chris Heinbaugh, who's tagging along on Mayor Tom & Co.'s trade mission to Europe. It follows. But long story short: Back in June, the Meadows Museum at SMU and the Prado Museum in Madrid signed a three-year partnership that'll allow for a lot of back-and-forthing between the two institutes. A very big deal. "Unprecedented"!
Well, during his European vacation, Mayor Tom, wife Laura, council member Ron Natinsky and his missus Nancy stopped by the Museo to witness the signing of the contract; they were joined by 45 others locals (Heinbaugh doesn't say who). Afterward, they stopped by the home of the U.S. Ambassador to Spain, Alan Solomont, for a little Gran Reserva and manchego, no doubt.
Says Mayor Tom in the release that follows, "This agreement is really the natural extension of a long and close relationship between Dallas and Spain that grows stronger every day. Dallas understands that to remain competitive on a global level, we must build lasting relationships - from both a cultural and business standpoint. This clearly is a historic step in that direction."
MAYOR & 45 DALLASITES VIEW MEADOWS-PRADO SIGNINGMayor Tom Leppert says the new agreement between the Meadows Museum and the Prado Museum will strengthen the ties between Spain and Dallas on many fronts. This after the signing of an historic 3-year partnership between the two museums.
U.S. Ambassador to Spain Hosts Celebration Reception
"This agreement is really the natural extension of a long and close relationship between Dallas and Spain that grows stronger every day," said Mayor Leppert. "Dallas understands that to remain competitive on a global level, we must build lasting relationships - from both a cultural and business standpoint. This clearly is a historic step in that direction."
To mark the event, Mayor Leppert and his wife Laura joined 45 Dallas residents at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain Tuesday evening to witness the official signing ceremony. The signing took place in a gallery filled with Spanish Renaissance paintings. The partnership includes the exchange of three major works of Spanish artists. The Prado will loan Jusepe de Ribera's Mary Magdalene, Diego Velazquez's Philip IV, and El Greco's Pentecost which is already on display at the Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University. The agreement also allows for a curatorial exchange, internships, research collaboration and more - all designed to promote greater recognition and understanding of Spanish art.
Following the ceremony, the Dallas group attended a celebratory reception at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Spain, Alan Solomont. Mayor & Mrs. Leppert joined Ambassador Solomont and his wife Susan in greeting the guests, which included the Dallas delegation as well as officials from the Prado and members of Madrid's business and diplomatic community. Mayor Leppert is in Madrid leading an official business delegation that includes Dallas City Councilmember Ron Natinsky and state Representative Rafael Anchia. They are in Madrid meeting with bankers and wealth managers to promote investment and economic development opportunities in Dallas.
"With Spain's historic business ties to Texas and Central and South America, it is a strong partner for us as Dallas expands its global reach," said Mayor Leppert.
During the week they are also visiting key construction, infrastructure and urban renewal projects to take lessons home to Dallas. The group will be visiting Valencia, then Paris for more business before returning home on Sunday.
Due to budget concerns, City tax dollars are not being used on the trip. Instead the travel expenses of City officials and staff are being paid from a special fund at the World Affairs Council. Mayor Leppert has led the fundraising for this purpose.
