Austin's Sister City in South America
more infos: www.austinlimasistercities.org
The Austin-LIMA Sister City Committee
Founded in November 1981, during the term of Mayor Carol Keeton McClellan, Austin Lima Sister Cities was established for the purpose of interchanging cultural, historical and peaceful thoughts, concepts and beliefs.
Our mission is to foster cultural, educational, entrepreneurial and humanitarian exchange between Austin and Lima.
The Austin-Lima Sister City Committee consists of 5 members and is headed by Fernando Nieri.
Partnership Outcomes:
Patterns of Perú and Texas Art Exhibition, featuring Peruvian and North American painters and sculptors.
Qhapaq Nan El Gran Camino Inca, an exhibition of photographs.
Photo exhibit of Peruvian scenes at the Benson Latin American Collection at the University of Texas.
In cooperation with the Austin Chamber Music Center, three young musicians from the Costa-Ornano Academy in Lima participated in workshops and performed at Bauer House.
Worked with the Ministry of Public Health of Perú, Austin Smiles, and Seton Hospital Sisters of Charity to help burn victim Beatriz Baylon with reconstructive facial surgery.
Development of the "Caminar" Project for leadership training to prevent social problems.
Grassroots agricultural and artisan's projects with the Women's Association for Community Development in Chilca, Lima.
ABOUT lima
Lima was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, as Ciudad de los Reyes (City of the Kings). It became the capital and most important city in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Perú. Following the Perúvian War of Independence, it became the capital of the Republic of Perú.
Located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central coastal part of Perú, Lima overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is the capital and the largest city of the country. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima Metropolitan Area.
With a population of more than 10 million people, Lima is the most populous metropolitan area of Perú and the third-largest city in the Americas; home to one of the oldest higher-learning institutions in the New World. The National University of San Marcos, founded on May 12, 1551 during the Spanish colonial regime, is the oldest continuously functioning university in the Americas. Lima is the country's industrial and financial centre and one of Latin America's most important financial centers, home to many national companies and hotels. It accounts for more than two thirds of Perú's industrial production and most of its tertiary sector.
(Source: Wikipedia)