MONTBLANC TO HONOR CRAIG ROBINS IN THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR OF THE Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Awards

Montblanc announces that Craig Robins, CEO of Dacra, co-founder of Design Miami/ and longtime supporter of art, design and culture, will receive the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award at an event on December 1st, 2011, at the Moore Building in the Miami Design District. Robins will join a prestigious list of award winners from the 12 participating countries in this anniversary year including: Yoko Ono (Japan), His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales (United Kingdom), Her Majesty Queen Sofia (Spain), Liao Chang Yong (China), Yoyo Maeght (France), Harald Falckenberg (Germany), Chung King Fai (Hong Kong), Andree Ruth Shammah (Italy), Young Dal Yoon (Korea), Aurelio Lopez Rocha (Mexico), and Valery Gergiev (Russia).

Robins has been chosen by an international jury in honor and recognition of his role support of art, architecture, design and culture in civic, institutional, educational and commercial contexts, as well as his leadership in the redevelopment and revitalization of South Beach, the Miami Design District and other projects instrumental in improving the lives of the city’s . residents

A native of Miami Beach, Robins has been at the forefront of city’s cultural and architectural resurgence for more than 25 years

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award, which has celebrated the work of outstanding private patrons of the arts throughout the world each year since 1992. Montblanc has a rich heritage in supporting artists and cultural projects around the world and believes in the crucial part to be played in the health of the arts, by passionate and committed individuals.

The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award was established to honor and support patrons of the arts who have given exceptional time and energy to artists and their work. To be chosen, a winning patron has to demonstrate not only a history of personal commitment to the arts, but also a concern that the wider public should benefit as a result of that support. A jury of internationally renowned artists chooses 12 winners from a shortlist of 36 (3 nominees in each country).

As the Chief Executive Officer and President of Dacra, a global real estate company, Robins has spearheaded some of the most successful commercial, residential and mixed-use projects in Miami’s history. Robins was an early pioneer in the revitalization of Miami’s South Beach District during the 1980s, restoring Art Deco landmarks and transforming the once-neglected area into a neighborhood thriving with new cultural and commercial opportunities. Robins’ work in South Beach laid the groundwork for securing its spot as a trendy international destination.

Robins' strong interest in arts and culture extends far beyond his professional role as a real estate developer. Robins was instrumental in bringing the Art Basel fair from Switzerland to Miami for its annual show. Robins is also the Founder and Chairman of the Anaphiel Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting arts education and expanding the role of art in everyday life. Additionally, Robins serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Miami Art Museum.

As the honoree of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award, Robins will receive the Montblanc Patron of Art Limited Edition 2011 Gaius Cilnius Maecenas Writing Instrument, created to celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of the Awards, along with $20,000 to donate to an arts project of his choice. Montblanc is proud to honor the committed men and women who make up this year’s list of successful award winners.