NEWS AT THE ALLIANCE


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF NYC ARTS AND NYCkidsARTS
On June 23, the Alliance launched the new and unique NYC-ARTS.org--a 2009 Webby Award Honoree--and its teacher-and family-friendly companion NYCkidsARTS.org that provide an insider's take on the hundreds of gems that make up New York's vibrant cultural life. The flagship NYC-ARTS.org site provides comprehensive information on nearly 800 cultural organizations and their events, programs and activities. In-depth entries feature discounts, volunteer and donation information, interactive maps of what's nearby, similar things to do and much more.

WEST SIDE STORY STARS TO PERFORM AT ALLIANCE BENEFIT!

The stars of the Broadway revival West Side Story, Josefina Scaglione (Maria) and Matt Cavenaugh (Tony), will perform at the Alliance's 2009 Benefit. The informal dinner--a celebration of the arts in New York city--will be held at the Central Park Boathouse on Monday, September 14, with cocktails at 6:30 pm and dinner at 7:30 pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

THIS MONTH ON NYC ARTS

Lower Manhattan Summer Arts Events

From Houston Street to the harbor, arts organizations and events are integral to the cherished blocks (and islands) of real estate in and off Lower Manhattan. Breezes off the harbor and shade provided either by famous skyscrapers or leafy parks make the Financial District, Battery Park and the parks along the Hudson River particularly pleasant to explore on weekends. Events include the River to River Festival, featuring free outdoor performances, and Creative Time's free international art exhibition on Governors Island. For more information, click here.

IN THE NEWS

CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS DCA BUDGET
On Friday, June 19, the City Council and Mayor Bloomberg agreed on the Fiscal 2010 budget. The Department of Cultural Affairs will begin the year with a budget of $158.3 million. This year's budget is $5.8 million higher than last year, mainly due to the inclusion of the Cultural After School Adventures initiative (CASA), which was previously administered by the Department of Youth and Community Development. The budget includes $24.8 million for cultural programs and $120.4 million for City-owned institutions. For more information, click here.

DWYER CULTURAL CENTER OPENS IN HARLEM

The Dwyer Cultural Center, a multimedia cultural organization dedicated to celebrating and documenting Harlem's history and cultural life, opened on June 16. The center provides space for artists and educational programs for public school students. For more information, click here. 

NEA RELEASES 2008 SURVEY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE ARTS
According to the National Endowment for the Arts' newest study, participation in most art forms has declined. Arts Participation 2008: Highlights from a National Survey indicates that performing arts attendees are increasingly older than the average U.S. adult (45); educated Americans--the most likely to participate--are participating less than before; and Internet and mass media are reaching substantial audiences for the arts. For more information, click here.

DWINDLING ARTS ACHIEVEMENT AMONG EIGHTH GRADERS
The National Assessment of Education Progress' recent report indicates that American students have not made significant progress in developing their skills and knowledge in the arts since 1997. The study also shows declines in student exposure to the arts. Eighth grade students from public and private schools participating in NAEP's 2008 Arts Assessment were measured on their ability to create and respond to the visual arts. For more information and to read the report, click here.

DOWNTOWN CULTURAL GROUPS FORM COLLECTIVE
Eleven arts organizations have formed the Lower Manhattan Arts Leaders to help manage the economic downturn. The group, which discusses strategies to make elected officials and foundations aware of its economic benefit to the neighborhood, includes a variety of cultural organizations. LoMAL members include 3-Legged Dog, Here, Soho Rep, Flea Theater, Dixon Place, Access Theater, Blue Coyote Theater Group, Dance New Amsterdam, Battery Dance Company, the independent media arts center DCTV and the Children's Museum of the Arts.

FREE PERFORMANCES THROUGHOUT NYC
Beginning July 2, the City Parks Foundation will offer 75 free concerts, dance and theater performances in parks throughout the five boroughs. Events include the festival's first commissioned play, Dirt Rich, dance classes and performances by Naughty By Nature and KRS-One. For more information and to see the full schedule, click here.

LOOKING FOR BANDS TO TOUR: APPLICATIONS FOR THE RHYTHM ROAD DUE AUGUST 10
The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program gives ensembles the opportunity to tour the world and participate in concerts, master classes, jam sessions and media outreach. Selected bands also perform two free public concerts at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola and in Washington, D.C. For more information and to apply, click here.

PEOPLE