ARTown boosts locals arts organizations
by Lisa Aland, Outpost staff
The Nevada Museum of Art has experienced a boost in public interest since their involvement in Uptown Downtown ARTown 1999. ARTown is one of the components that has boosted NMA's annual attendance from 35,000 in 1997 to 56,000 in 1999.
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An iron and rock statue of a man greets visitors at the entrance to the Nevada Museum of Art. Photo by Claire Tapia |
"People are coming back because they have seen the high quality programs and events we offer," Amy Oppio, director of communications at NMA, said. "The national exposure we receive from the festival helps the museum prove we are an active, arts-interested community. In turn it helps propose bringing bigger headlines."
Oppio said the museum hopes to offer quality programming to help the community share experiences during ARTown. A record-breaking attendance of over 5,000 people turned out for the opening of "Alphonse Mucha: The Spirit of Art Nouveau" last July, that featured "The Flying Cranes" from Russia.
"The quality of programming and the excitement of the festival, mixed with the exposure of the festival brings new audiences and allows them to explore new events they may not have been interested in before," Oppio said.
This year the museum is highlighting the SBC Collection: 100 Years of American Art, sponsored by Nevada Bell. Spinning off the success of the spectacular performance by The Flying Cranes last year, they are looking for new ways to make the exhibit interactive and inclusive of the audience. They plan to utilize Nevada Bell's wireless technology to offer a new experience to the arts community. Attendees will be able to check out cellular phones at the front desk and dial up to hear pre-recorded informational messages on particular pieces. The message will give information about the artist and the piece. When viewers are done they will check the cell phone back in.
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"We are highlighting Nevada Bell technology because it's the SBC Collection and it will bring us up to speed with what other galleries of our size are doing," Oppio said.
The exhibit will be on display at the Nevada Museum of Art, June 30th to September 3rd as part of Reno's Fifth Annual ARTown Festival. For more information contact the museum at (775) 329-3333.
Posted April 21, 2000
Copyright 2000 Nevada Oupost
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