FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 7, 2004
CONTACT: Vincent R. Farias (609) 265-5020 Loretta O’Donnell (609) 265-5028
BURLCO PLANS RIVER LINE SPECIAL ARTS PROJECT Partnership Will Promote Arts and Businesses in River Towns As part of Burlington County’s new Partners for Progress initiative to encourage collaborations between arts organizations and local businesses, the County’s Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs plans a special arts project along the light-rail River Line to promote tourism and economic development in these towns. The project calls for the creation of fiberglass animal sculptures that local artists would use as their canvas and then be temporarily exhibited along the River Line stops sites before being auctioned to raise money for non-profit arts organizations selected by participating business sponsors. “Fiberglass art projects have been popular in several cities, such as Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago, and would dovetail nicely with Burlington County’s efforts to help revitalize the river towns and Route 130 corridor. It is another method to promote art and culture in the County without additional tax dollars,” said Freeholder Director Vincent R. Farias. (more)
PRESS RELEASE – RIVER LINE ARTS PROJECT--1/7/04--ADD ONE The Freeholders today authorized a steering committee to develop guidelines and policies for the project such as the type of animal, security measures, costs and recommended sponsor amounts. The staff proposal calls for the sculptures to be weighted and placed at nine stops along the River Line, plus two park and ride locations where video cameras provide increased security. “We see the project as a collaborative effort with the Economic Development and Tourism office because we are targeting the River Line towns and will highlight the rich history of these communities,” said Joyce Goldsmith, administrator of the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. The County kicked off its Partners for Progress initiative in December with a meeting of more than 150 people from the arts and business communities at the Burlington County Historical Society facility in Burlington City. Freeholder Farias had attended, noting the importance the arts have played on quality of life throughout history. The kick-off was well received and the County plans to host similar events to strengthen the bonds between arts organizations and businesses throughout Burlington County. ###