J. Barry Griswell, President and CEO, The Principal Financial Group, Honored by the National Academy of Design
Presentation Remarks
By Judith A. Jedlicka, President, BCA
American Academy of Design
May 29, 2002
As we gather this evening to celebrate some of our nation's finest artists - past and present - I have the great pleasure of recognizing a business leader who through his vision, leadership and commitment is nurturing the creative spirit and broadening appreciation of the arts in big cities and rural towns throughout the United States.
This individual is J. Barry Griswell - Chairman, President and CEO of The Principal Financial Group, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Barry is both the guardian and champion of The Principal's commitment to investing in the not-for-profit sector - with a special emphasis on the arts. And as a director of the Business Committee for the Arts, he encourages other companies to follow his lead.
The Principal's support to the arts began more than six and a half decades ago when it made a major grant to the Des Moines Orchestra. Today, under Barry's guidance, the company has one of the best corporate art collections in the country - included in it are commissions by Maya Lin and James Turrell - and it recognized for its consistent support to arts organizations from coast-to-coast.
The hallmarks of The Principal's major partnership with the arts are quality and building access. Several years ago the company sponsored the eight-part PBS series and book "American Visions: The Epic History of Art in America." Along with this, it underwrote an accompanying special edition of Time Magazine, a teacher's guide, Web sites and home videos. The result - millions of Americans living in remote villages in Alaska to major cities had the opportunity to explore the artist heritage of our nation.
As we turned the calendar to 2000, The Principal announced another landmark sponsorship - this one with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. For a period of three years ending next year, the company is underwriting "Treasures To Go." This is a 70-city tour of eight thematic exhibitions developed from the Museum's permanent collection. A few months ago Barry attended the opening of one of these exhibitions here in the Academy. Were it not for The Principal's support these art treasures would be in storage - in accessible to the public - while the Museum closed for renovations. And, just think of the thrill it is for so many Americans to enjoy part of the Smithsonian's collection in their hometowns.
Through Barry Griswell's leadership and his steadfast commitment to broaden appreciation of the arts, he is offering millions of Americans opportunities to explore the creative spirit that makes this country great - and he is without a doubt enriching the quality of our lives.
Barry, it is with great joy that I present this well-deserved Award to
you on behalf of the National Academy of Design to recognize your many
contributions to the arts.