January 5, 2012

COLUMBUS ARTS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 51 YEARS AND A RETURN TO REVITALIZED DOWNTOWN RIVERFRONT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jami Goldstein
614-221-8492

Columbus, Ohio -  The Columbus Arts Festival, presented by Time Warner Cable and produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council celebrates its 51st year of bringing the best in fine art and fine craft to Columbus, June 1, 2 & 3, 2012. The Columbus Arts Festival has been rated by AmericanStyle and Sunshine Artist magazines as one of the top festivals in the nation and each year hosts hundreds of juried artists from across the United States, as well as a few international artists. Music, poetry and community performance stages, hands-on arts activities, exhibitions of local student artwork and local artist collectives and a widened selection of quality food and beverages round out Columbus' favorite outdoor summer event.

The overall festival ambiance and atmosphere will be enhanced through the return to the Columbus downtown riverfront, known as the Scioto Mile, Bicentennial Park and two brand new bridges at Main and Rich Streets. The newly revitalized Scioto Mile Park along the river features lush green spaces, a charming promenade and mesmerizing water features along with plazas, paths and bikeways.

“We are very excited about our return to the riverfront. This beautifully renovated area will be a phenomenal venue for the Festival for many years to come,” said Scott Huntley, Director of the Columbus Arts Festival.

Following are some of the exciting initiatives happening at the 2012 Columbus Arts Festival:

Emerging Artists
This program, started in 2011, is designed to help promote Central Ohio artists who are new to presenting their work at festivals. Artists from Central Ohio will be selected by the Festival jurors and in addition to a lower booth fee they will also receive assistance from Festival staff on how to best present their work to the public.

Food as Art presented by Dine Originals
In partnership with Dine Originals, this cuisine area will showcase local restaurants and bring gourmet fare back to the Festival. Dine Originals will feature special menus developed by local restaurants, and special pairings with handcrafted beers will be showcased.

Artist Demonstrations
Juried artists as well as local artists will show how they create their work in the Festival Demonstration Area.

Festival Mobile App
The Festival Mobile App will allow visitors to locate artists, food vendors and menus, watch the latest weather report and much more.

VIP Lounge Package
The VIP Lounge will be located in the Cultural Arts Center for VIP ticket purchasers and sponsors to come and relax. A Festival t-shirt, comfortable seating, free water and snacks, a private cash bar, VIP restrooms, personal shopping assistance and other VIP amenities will be provided to VIP ticket purchasers. VIP packages will be sold prior to and during the festival. Passes are good for the entire weekend.

The Columbus Arts Festival presented by Time Warner Cable will be held June 1, 2 & 3, 2012. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2 and 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 3. Participating artists will be announced in mid-March. For more information visit www.columbusartsfestival.org. The 2011 Columbus Arts Festival is presented by Time Warner Cable. Additional sponsors to date are American Electric Power, State Auto, Coca-Cola, Dine Originals, Fahlgren, Glazer’s, Heineken, Live! Technologies, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Westin. Media sponsors include Alive, Ohio Magazine, WBNS 10TV, WOSU, CD102.5, WCBE 90.5FM, WMNI/Classic Hits 103.9 FM.

About the Greater Columbus Arts Council: Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, GCAC funds exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. GCAC thanks the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Ohio Arts Council for their continued support.