2.12.2007 - 10:10am ET

(CSRwire) PITTSBURGH- February 12, 2007- Alcoa Foundation today announced it will be the lead sponsor of the first survey of American art ever to be presented in the People’s Republic of China.

This important exhibition of art works, "Art in America: 300 Years of Innovation” which opens in National Art Museum of China from February 10th 2007 is organized by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York in partnership with the Terra Foundation for American Art, Chicago.

“Alcoa congratulates the Guggenheim team for assembling this thought-provoking, and impressive exhibition and looks forward to sharing these rich representations of the American experience with Chinese audiences,” said Alain Belda, Alcoa Chairman and CEO. “This is the most significant grouping of American art ever shown in China and an excellent opportunity for Alcoa Foundation to lead in bringing these experiences and cultural insights for communities and people of China.”

“Alcoa Foundation is pleased be the lead sponsor of this exceptional event,“ said Meg McDonald, President of Alcoa Foundation.

Alcoa Foundation’s involvement in this project was inspired by the successful experience of sponsorship of the Guggenheim exhibition RUSSIA!, which brought together national treasures that engaged the imagination of a record number of Americans to enjoy and learn about the Russian art and culture.

“Alcoa Foundation is pleased to support another important Guggenheim cultural exchange, Art in America: Three Hundred Years of Innovation,”Ms McDonald said. “This visually rich exhibition tells the story of the natural, economic, political and cultural experience of America and its people as expressed through its artists. It truly brings together the variety and vastness of the nation and its history.”

Art in America, comprised of artworks selected from collections throughout the United States and Europe, will be the most significant display of American art presented to communities in China. A comprehensive educational program has co-operatively developed interpretive materials and educational activities for Chinese audiences. To stimulate a dynamic cross-cultural exchange, the exhibition includes significant outreach programs, training and public symposiums with an on-site museum program and public activities relevant to the regional audiences of the host venues. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Terra Foundation for American Art, and the National Art Museum of China intend to sustain the impact of the exhibition through a library exchange program.

For over 55 years Alcoa Foundation has been a source for positive change in communities around the world. In 2006 alone, Alcoa Foundation made US$26 million in grants for social, educational and environmental improvement programs.

As the world’s leading producer of alumina and aluminum, Alcoa brings innovative and sustainable products and service to the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, and industrial markets. Alcoa’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development is part of our goal to be the best company where we operate.

The Art in America: Three Hundred Years of Innovation exhibition premieres in Beijing at the National Art Museum of China, from February 10 through April 5, 2007, and travels to Shanghai at the Shanghai Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai, from May 1 to June 30, 2007. Art in America: Three Hundred Years of Innovation features approximately 130 important works of American art spanning the Colonial period to the present age, focusing on painting drawn from major U.S. and European collections, including the Terra Foundation and Guggenheim Foundation. President George H. W. Bush is Honorary Chair of the Honorary Committee for Art in America: 300 Years of Innovation, The Honorary Committee includes: The Honorable and Mrs. Clark T. Randt, U.S. Ambassador to China; The Honorable Sun Jiazheng, Minister of Culture, P.R.C; and The Honorable Zhou Wenzhong, Ambassador of the P.R.C. to the U.S.