2019-00086. Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition-Determinations: “The World Between Empires: Art and Identity in the Ancient Middle East” Exhibition

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: I hereby determine that the objects to be exhibited in the exhibition “The World Between Empires: Art and Identity in the Ancient Middle East,” imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, from on or about March 11, 2019, until on or about June 23, 2019, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these determinations be published in the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Julie Simpson, Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: [phone]; email: [e-mail]). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, L/PD, SA-5, Suite 5H03, Washington, DC 20522-0505.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The foregoing determinations were made pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000, and Delegation of Authority No. 236-24 of January 8, 2019.

Jennifer Z. Galt,

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State.