West Park Arts Fest Press Release

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: West Park Arts Festival
Niesha Kennedy, PR Manager
215-278-3450
nieshakennedy@gmail.com
6TH
ANNUAL WEST PARK ARTS FESTIVAL RETURNS JUNE 8, 2013
PHILADELPHIA, PA West Park Cultural Center is proud to present the 6th Annual West Park Arts Fest with the
theme "Friends Across Cultures". We invite you to join us in celebrating the unique multicultural richness of art and
culture in Philadelphia and the resources that reside in the Fairmount Park Centennial District. The free event
brings together more than 30 arts, cultural, nature, scienceand community organizations to make a truly unique
event in Philadelphia. We are inviting everyone to a day of exciting performances and interactive activities in
Fairmount Park centered around and inside the "School of the Future".
Attendance last year was 1,500 with an estimated attendance of 2,000 for this year’s event. Scheduled Activities
include a full-day youth Chess Tournament hosted by ASAP. A Children's Pavilion which is considered a miniature
art and music event for families with young children with drawing and theatre workshops, storytelling, science
demonstrations, face painting, and more. Children are encouraged to create crafts, take free books and be treated to
youth-oriented live entertainment. An Independent Artist Stage will feature area musicians, vocalists and spoken
word artists. Live music and dance performances will be provided by student and professional artists with
drumming, rock, vocal, string, and jazz ensembles. There are more performers and activities being added over the
coming months leading up to the event.
The festival’s all-volunteer organizing committee headed by the West Park Cultural Center established the festival in
2008. The West Park Cultural Center promotes a thriving West Park environment by using arts and culture as a
central tool that helps youth tap their creative and academic potential, and where residents can access the arts,
education, and other support programs that contribute to their personal development. The non-profit organization
works closely with other cultural and community organizations to bring this unique event to West Fairmount Park
for the benefit of our surrounding communities as well as growing it to a city-wide cultural event. The 2013 festival
is pleased to have The Franklin Institute Science Museum and ArtsRising as key planning partners. Arts Fest
participating partners have included Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia
Zoo, Shofuso Japanese House and Gardens, Kyo Daiko Taiko Drummers, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Belmont
Mansion, Fairmount Park Conservancy, ArtsRising, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, West Philadelphia
Senior Community Center, Urban Suburban Film Festival, International Opera Theatre, Philadelphia Parks Alliance,
Settlement Music School/West Philadelphia Branch, Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement (PYPM), Chosen Dance
Company, Dancin’ On Air, West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Tree House Books, and the Consulate General of
Italy in Philadelphia.
To learn more about the festival or to volunteer, visit www.westparkcultural.org
WHAT: WEST PARK ARTS FESTIVAL
WHEN: SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2013
11AM TO 5PM
WHERE: FAIRMOUNT PARK
PARKSIDE & GIRARD AVENUES
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104
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