The French-American Cultural Foundation (F-ACF) is thrilled to announce that 2025 will be the year we launch the prestigious Lafayette – Washington Award for Cultural Diplomacy.
This honor celebrates individuals or organizations who have made extraordinary contributions to strengthening the bond between France and the United States through cultural exchange.
This award is the rightful successor to the F-ACF Lafayette Prize. The F-ACF has evolved into a transatlantic organization, with partners in France and America, and the Award will reflect this all-encompassing relationship active in fields of interest from aerospace to wine. It allows for the recognition of those who represent the modern as well as the historic nature of the ties between France and America. Previously F-ACF presented the Lafayette Prize, to extraordinary Americans such as David McCullough, James Billington, and Marguerite and Gerry Linfest.
Named after two great allies and champions of liberty, Marquis de Lafayette and George Washington, the award signifies the enduring partnership between our nations.
For the first time, those honored by the F-ACF will receive a medal that may be worn. It is designed by esteemed sculptor Chas Fagan. Those who travel through Washington’s Reagan Airport may have seen Chas’ sculpture of the former President. It is one example of his extraordinary work that appears across the nation in venues such as Houston’s Sesquicentennial Park and the Washington National Cathedral.
F-ACF recently had the privilege of visiting Chas’ studio in Charlotte, North Carolina, a space teeming with creativity and rich with the history of his works in progress.
It was an inspiring experience to witness the meticulous craftsmanship behind the Lafayette – Washington medal – from drawing to mold. Every element of the design process reflects the spirit of unity and culture that the award represents.
Stay tuned as we prepare to announce the Awardees who embody the ideals of the Lafayette – Washington Award. These individuals or organizations have dedicated themselves to fostering collaboration, excellence, shared values, and understanding between our two nations.
Follow us for the upcoming announcement and join us as we celebrate the remarkable contributions of this year’s honorees.