For Immediate Release Sept. 6, 2005 - Los Angeles What Embargo? Cause Marketing Crosses Cuban Borders Corporations Working with Non-Profits to Build Hispanic Business Ties Building Bridges Rather Than Conflict. At a time when America is getting a lot of bad press abroad due to the conflict in the Middle East, there is a rising tide of collaboration between two countries deemed “adversaries” in the recent past; Cuba and the United States. Shared Dreams 2005 is an annual international event in Havana that brings together selected Cuban and U.S. artists to build the foundation for future commercial cooperation - despite the long-standing U.S. government embargo against Cuba. Part of the International Digital Design Conference in Cuba, Shared Dreams brings together Cuban and American artists to collaborate via the internet and then through a touring exhibition. As Shared Dreams is toured throughout the U.S. the proceeds are donated to the non-profit Cuban Artists Fund and the New York Foundation for the Arts. A Model for Better International Hispanic-Market Collaboration: Larry Richard of Breakthrough Marketing co-produced the Shared Dreams 2005 event and can speak to the Cause Marketing trend: How corporations leverage “brand extension” through association with non-profits to reach and influence the enormous Hispanic market. Developing a model to bring “controversial” products and programs into the US. The Mutual Collaberation Model and how it applies across the board to the business community. The West Coast premier of this national touring exhibition - Shared Dreams 2005 - will on October 14th at the EpoxyBox Gallery in Venice, CA. It will feature the entire original collection of Cuban and American art produced for the Conference in Havana, before heading off to galleries in New York and Miami. Meet the Cuban Artists via Web Simulcast: The Cuban artists will be available for interview via Web Simulcast on October 14th from 5pm – 7pm. MEDIA CONTACT: Larry Richard Phone: 310-228-3600 x212 Email: larry@2breakthrough.com