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"A Breath of Fresh Air - of Optimism"

Mr. Garth Fagan Receives NCIV Citizen Diplomat Award at Global Connections Event

by Matt Kinshella, NCIV Staff

Hundreds of guests mingled over hors d’oeuvres, recalling stories of years past and waiting in anticipation for the start of the Global Connections event in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel? the launching pad for the 2008 NCIV National Meeting.

This year’s Global Connections event acted as a bridge between the second National Summit on Citizen Diplomacy and NCIV’s annual conference. The NCIV Citizen Diplomat Award, NCIV’s highest honor, was to be presented to Garth Fagan, acclaimed choreographer of the Broadway hit The Lion King. As Ambassador Kenton Keith, Chair, 2008 National Meeting Planning Committee, phrased it: the event serves as an opportunity to celebrate “Citizen Diplomacy in the Arts” and initiates NCIV’s “annual family reunion.”

A warm welcome from Ambassador Kenton Keith was extended to NCIV members, participants in the National Summit on Citizen Diplomacy and honored guests. Donna Dunlap, Vice President, Federal Operations, Xerox Corporation, followed by outlining Xerox’s global role and dedication to citizen diplomacy in the arts, stating: “art can cause hope to unfold and connect to us in ways that seem mysterious.” She added that Xerox is especially proud to sponsor an event honoring Garth Fagan, an “ambassador for the best of human experience.”

Mr. Larry Chastang, Chair, NCIV Board of Directors, continued by presenting the awards for this year’s NCIV Photo Contest as he set the stage for the presentation of “the highest honor NCIV bestows,” the NCIV Citizen Diplomat Award.

One of the most acclaimed choreographers of his generation, Garth Fagan is the founder and artistic director of Garth Fagan Dance. The recipient of numerous awards, including a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and the Guggenheim Fellowship, Mr. Fagan was one of only 25 Americans to receive the title Fulbright 50th Anniversary Distinguished Fellow. In the words of Marvin Rosenthal, former board member of NCIV and Garth Fagan Dance as well as former president of the Rochester International Council, Mr. Fagan is “a breath of fresh air - of optimism.”

In his address to the participants of the 2008 NCIV National Meeting, Mr. Fagan proved to be the very embodiment of optimism. He declared, in a statement fitting of the night, “art survives everything,” adding, “you are all dancers” that must take the role of citizen diplomat very seriously. He gave praise to the NCIV network, saying proudly that “my grandkids are thrilled that I am a citizen diplomat,” and that he will list the NCIV Citizen Diplomat Award in program notes among his other accomplishments.

Mr. Fagan went on to share some of his experiences around the world. “I learn so much from other cultures,” he said. Indeed, Mr. Fagan exemplified that he is a true cross-cultural communicator. That became evident during a series of video clips he showed illustrating his company’s trips to Africa and France. Mr. Fagan explained that while overseas, he always has his dancers mingle with the audience after performances. He emphasized the idea that dance and art “communicate anywhere, in any place in the world.” Finally, as the event came to a close, Mr. Fagan shared a moving story about how a difficult childhood relationship with his father blossomed into one of love and mutual respect. This story was touching as it was poignant. In what better way could NCIV kick off its annual family reunion than with a story about strong family ties ? delivered by a gifted citizen diplomat, an individual truly deserving of the NCIV Citizen Diplomat Award.

PHOTO:  Garth Fagan speaks to audience at Global Connections event

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