The US Embassy yesterday announced the opening of the 2012 competition for projects under the Ambassadorโs Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
In a press release the Embassy said it is now accepting proposals for projects promoting cultural preservation in Guyana, which will be due by December 15. Funding for the projects typically range from US$10,000 to US$100,000.
The AFCP seeks to support activities that preserve significant cultural sites, objects or tradition, giving top priority to project activities that are in keeping with international standards for the preservation of cultural heritage. Qualified entities that are reputable, accountable NGOs, museums, culture ministries or similar institutions and organisations that are able to demonstrate that they have the requisite experience and capacity to manage projects to preserve cultural heritage are invited to apply.
The Embassy said Guyana has benefited significantly from the Ambassadorโs fund with a total of US$57,296 being awarded over the last 10 years to two major projects. A 2002 project received a grant to support the preservation and restoration of the New Amsterdam Town Hall, the most visible historical landmark building in eastern Guyana.
The Tudor style building was built in 1868 and still acts as the seat of municipal development. Based on the recommendations of a structural report, the project rehabilitated the civic hall and balcony. In addition, the National Art Gallery received funding in 2006 for a project to enable the preservation of the collections through production of an updated National Collection inventory; digital copying of archival records related to the collection and its artists and upgrading its storage facilities.
