ArtsConnection Turns 30 in Style!

Benefit Celebration on May 6th at the American Museum of Natural History

NEW YORK, April 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, ArtsConnection, NYC's most comprehensive arts-in-education organization, is holding its annual benefit at the American Museum of Natural History on May 6, 2010. CNN news star Anderson Cooper will host the evening, which will also feature a performance by virtuoso Peter Cincotti. ArtsConnection will honor Jonathan Klein, President of CNN US and present the prestigious Janklow Awards to teaching artist Erin Orr and Principal Tashon McKeithan of PS 65 in the Bronx.

Founded in 1979, ArtsConnection provides New York City public schools with customized, comprehensive arts residencies in theater, music, dance and visual arts. The organization partners with a diversity of schools across the five boroughs at all grade levels. Over the past 30 years, ArtsConnection has brought arts programs to over 3.5 million students in 800 public schools and has evolved into a nationally recognized arts education model, endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts. ArtsConnection has also received the New York State Governor's Arts Award for its cultural contributions to the State. At a time when many organizations are contracting, ArtsConnection has expanded with the merger of High 5 Tickets to the Arts, a program that provides teens 13-18 with $5 tickets to cultural events in NYC. Our combined organization will serve over 50,000 students this year. "The arts play a critical role in a child's personal, social and cognitive development. All children deserve an excellent arts education. ArtsConnection is proud of its 30 year commitment toward reaching that goal," says Board Chairman Linda LeRoy Janklow.

ArtsConnection's 30th Anniversary Benefit will take place on May 6, 2010 at the Powerhouse in the American Museum of Natural History. Honorary chair Jeffrey L. Bewkes, Chairman & CEO, Time Warner is joined by co-chairs Lisa & Richard Plepler and Tracey & Robert Pruzan. To learn more, visit the www.artsconnection.org or call (212) 453-9480; (212) 453-9470.

SOURCE ArtsConnection