Australia
The traditional Aussie barbecue came to the heart of Washington in October as Australia kicked off a series of events leading up to the official opening of its new, green embassy building on Massachusetts Ave.
“We want each and every one of our friends across Washington to feel genuinely welcome here,” Ambassador Dr. Kevin Rudd said at the Oct. 5 event. “In Australia, the way you make people feel welcome is, you have a neighborhood barbie, and that’s what we’re doing here tonight,” he said, using the Aussie expression for a barbecue.
Meridian Dinner
Poker, roulette, blackjack, and more were the hit of the night at the 55th annual Meridian Ball. ‘Casino night’ was the theme of Meridian International Center’s biggest event of the year, which brought together diplomats, members of Congress and the administration, people from the public and private sectors and more, to benefit the center’s mission for global leadership exchange, training programs and cultural activities.
VIP guests dined at one of 34 embassy-hosted dinners before migrating to the Meridian House for an evening of dancing and dialogue, specialty cocktails, and desserts. Next door, the White-Meyer House opened for guests to listen to music and play casino games with fake money they received at the door.
A non-partisan, non-profit diplomacy center that believes greater understanding and collaboration between the United States and the world lead to a more prosperous future for all, the Meridian International Center has hosted its annual ball for 55 years. The event has long brought together guests from across the political spectrum to engage in thought-provoking conversation.
Argentina
The Embassy of Argentina was transformed into an art gallery as paintings by seven Argentinian artists adorned the walls for the Diplomatic Chair Reception, the brainchild of the non-profit visual arts organization, Transformer, which promotes emerging artists.
Transformer showcased “the cultural production of exceptionally talented artists who … challenge and influence evolving cultural and social systems,” said Argentina’s ambassador to the U.S., Jorge Argüello.
Ambassador Argüello thanked Transformer for promoting rising Argentinian artistic talent and singled out the non-profit’s co-founder and executive and artistic director, Victoria Reis, for praise, calling her, “one of the champions in D.C. for young and up-and-coming artists.”
