Established in 1963, the U.S. Department of States Art in Embassies Program (AIE) plays a vital role in our nations public diplomacy through the creation of temporary exhibitions and permanent collections. AIE produces temporary exhibitions of original works of art by American artists, on loan from a variety of sources, for the representational spaces of U.S. chief-of-mission residences (CMRs) worldwide. Equally important is its commitment to create permanent collections for all newly built U.S. embassies, consulates, annexes, and AID buildings (Capital Projects), with a focus on contemporary art and artists from the U.S. and host countries. Together, these temporary exhibitions and permanent collections provide international audiences with a sense of the quality, scope, and diversity of American and host country art and culture.