History in the Making “Verse Three of Genesis: Let there be light. Yes, let. And then let us see it, learn from it, take it in, and start to shine.” Louise T Blouin MacBain
(http://www.ltbfoundation.org/ltbi_institute.html)
By JAMIE ELLIN FORBES
W
ith hopes of “advancing a cross-cultural dialogue, promoting and sharing the best of learned practices, and developing working partnerships among diverse groups” the Louise T Blouin Foundation hosted the 2007 Global Creative Leadership Summit last September. This was sponsored in part by the United Nations Office for Partnerships to coincide with the opening session of the UN General Assembly. Among the 100 participants present were heads of state, Nobel laureates and business leaders. Her cache of holdings allows for sizable influence and it is readily apparent that her social adroitness gives her the capacity to elevate the direction of world thought. Additionally, Louise T Blouin MacBain impacts the breadth and scope of art marketing and collecting worldwide. In the three years since she officially joined the art publishing scene by acquiring Art + Auction, Gallery Guide, Museums of New York, and Modern Painters (among others) and launching Culture and Travel, and artinfo. com Ms. Blouin MacBain has galvanized her vision and forces for globalization and world leadership by uniting all of her resources — using her base in the art/media world to create a platform for planetary change. She accomplishes this through her Foundation, its board and their outreach art programs in concordance with the LTB publishing group of magazines which cover multiple facets of the international art scene. It is hard to believe this pretty, soft- spoken and delicate woman is this powerhouse world-class mover and shaker. That is, until you hear her speak. MacBain’s mental clarity, ingenious perception, detail in planning and instantaneous assimilation of ideas, accents 3 • Fine Art Magazine • Spring 2008
her style and cool reserve. Some with her magic may have just chosen to stand around and look good. Not Louise T Blouin MacBain. Her passion and commitment to excellence in all she undertakes highlights a substantial track record. The LTB Empire supports her current undertakings Her effect and perceptions of art and the art community as a whole have been felt through the collective influence of the LTB Group of Companies. Louise’s grasp of business and her multitude of organized corporate success is due, in part, to her capacity to identify with her customer and marketplace. The Global Creative Leadership Summit was held at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. Within the cloistered library walls was an atmosphere electric with subdued excitement. The setting spoke of the past, an all boys club of years gone by, deciding the course of world events. Pictures of the club’s histor y adorned the walls. A vision of cigar smoke and port sherry in crystal glasses still hung in the air. Yet, this summit was not the fare of the past. This time, a demure and powerful woman hosted an event for innovative change. Supported by notables from all avenues of society, Louise MacBain used the occasion to put forth a plan to reshape global thinking. Somehow this very different collection of personages, in contrast to their predecessors, were made to look at home. The library and stately rooms, gilded in gold leaf, hosted Heads of State and corporate royals in dialoguing the outlined issues. Bravo, Ms. Blouin MacBain! Change was made before anyone walked into the room. What planning! As the hundred joined
Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer of NATO, President Bharrat Jagdeo of the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana, Louise Blouin MacBain, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu of Louisiana
Ms. Blouin MacBain in her vision, this diverse group reflected differing disciplines and philosophical approaches. Among them were Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands; President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, of the Republic of Iceland; and NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. Also present were Dr. Eric R. Kandel, Nobel Laureate and Professor at Columbia University and Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodhall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation. As part of a collective force, they were testament to the serious committed agenda and interest of Ms. Blouin MacBain for creative thought and the making of a global change. Publicly at the summit, socially at the reception, and more privately at home among invited guests, her love, passion and commitment to her philanthropic projects came to light and was acted upon. A rich voice of reserve and elegance of thought is Louise’s tool to keep her vision and focus at all times. Imagine the power of ideas, ideals and wealth all coupled with compassion and commitment for others to make a better world. This defines Louise T Blouin MacBain. Ali Velshi, CNN’s Senior Correspondent moderated “Spotlight On Africa: The Voice of Africa and the Ears of the World.” Dr. Phoebe Asiyo, Chairperson of The Kenya Women’s Political Caucus, with a touch of warmth and
experience, led a discussion on the integrated holistic tribal family. At times, the panel’s explanations became obstructed by academics and political agenda. However, in a manner that was easy to grasp, Francisco Songane
The Hon. Dr. Phoebe Asiyo
(Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health with the World Health Organization) clearly defined the plight, and offered a formula for change. His heartfelt involvement in issues and problems were reflective of his role. Africa’s problems were further put into perspective by Mohan Kaul, Chief Executive of the Common Wealth Business Council and Salim Amin, CEO of Camerapix. Each recognized that a strong Africa is dependent on the non-derisive segmenting of its peoples. They explained why the concept of a sovereign Africa with independent yet united countries is something the rest of the world would have to respect. If this were to occur, then economic and political values of understanding and empathy would stimulate trade and rule of law. continues on page 4