SaratogaArtsFest and city schools team up for youth program

Project YES! to give away ARTSPASS to 250 young people

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., May 11, 2009?When the third annual SaratogaArtsFest takes place June 11-14, bringing nearly 100 events and performances to 54 venues throughout Saratoga Springs, there will be an increased turnout of young people and families, if a new program to reach local students hits the mark.

Titled Project YES!?Youth Experiencing SaratogaArtsFest?the program is a collaboration of SaratogaArtsFest and the Saratoga City School District designed to make the arts more accessible to young people and to encourage families to attend SaratogaArtsFest as it gains momentum as an annual citywide event.

Project YES! was officially unveiled at a May 11 press conference at the Lake Avenue Elementary School. Speakers included Marie Glotzbach, president of the SaratogaArtsFest board of directors; Janice White, superintendent of schools; and Lew Titterton, ArtsFest board member.

?I am thrilled with the partnerships the school district has with Skidmore College, SaratogaArtsFest, and the community,? said White. ?The ArtsFest is where they all come together.?

Said Titterton, ?The arts are in trouble in our society. We are in danger of losing our arts audiences because young people are not fully involved, ? He emphasized that society must bring children in contact with the arts early to cultivate their interest and understanding.

As part of the Project YES! kickoff, organizers will give away ARTPASS Admission Packages in each of the city schools, for a total of 250 passes district-wide. Beginning May 11, students can apply for the free passes by filling out a form available in each school?s main office and on the school district?s web site. Applications must be turned in to the school?s main office by May 18. Winners will be announced May 20.

The ARTSPASS Admission Package will provide access to the full array events during the four-day festival, as well as discounted admission to arts events throughout the year. In addition, student winners will receive a Project YES! T-shirt, which will identify them for exclusive back-stage meetings with selected artists. Winners will also receive a half-price Admission Package to SaratogaArtsFest for one accompanying adult.

SaratogaArtsFest 2009 will offer an extensive lineup of performances workshops, and exhibits for young people covering music, dance, theater, visual art, literature, and more. In addition to local, regional, and national artists, the schedule will include performances by a range of local student groups, including the Division Street Dance Group, the Saratoga Children?s Chorus, the Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, and the Saratoga Springs High School Drama Club.

For the full schedule of events and more information on Project YES! visit the ArtsFest web site.

Project YES! is sponsored by Adirondack Trust Company, FingerPaint Marketing, Interactive Media Consulting, McMurry Inc., the Phyllis E. Dake Foundation, Roohan Realty, Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, Skidmore College, and Stewart's Shops.

SaratogaArtsFest sponsors also include Creatacor, CDTA, Designsmith Studio, Quad Graphics, CBS 6, TheSaratogaLife.com, Star 101.3, Times Union, and WAMC Northeast Public Radio.