Press
February 12, 2002
Media Release
Discover Newton Arts Campaign To Help Draw Community Together
Newton Mayor David Cohen is proud to announce Discover Newton Arts, a campaign that celebrates the enormous contribution of Newton’s arts organizations to the city’s welfare and to the lives of Newton’s residents.
The campaign had its genesis when Rick Lombardo, Producing Artistic Director of the New Repertory Theatre, asked Mayor David Cohen about how the city could help Newton's arts organizations. As has been true all over the country, Newton arts organizations have been experiencing a decline in ticket sales and attendance since September.
"I immediately knew that we wanted to help,” says Mayor Cohen, “For a community our size we are especially rich with exceptional art and by supporting the arts, we sustain the residents and strengthen the city."
Still reeling from the devastation of September 11, many people have reviewed their priorities and refocused their attention to the arts. Historically, the arts have helped express grief and helped the healing process. Newton, seeing the need to unite people and having so many superb arts organizations from which to draw, went a step further. They came together and are launching a citywide campaign this spring 2002, called Discover Newton Arts.
Linda Plaut, Director of the Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs, picked up the ball and brought together nearly 30 arts organizations that make Newton their home. They include two symphony orchestras, three music schools, a chamber ensemble, two arts organizations, the Boston Ballet School, four theatre companies, and three choral societies, to name just a few.
Because of budgetary restrictions, most arts organizations have been limited in their marketing and outreach abilities to affect a change during the extraordinary circumstances this year has brought. The partnership with the City of Newton has become essential. The Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs has provided a structure for an unprecedented cooperative effort and much needed resources for getting the word out.
With the graphic design services volunteered by Diane Fassino of Fassino Designs, a logo, marketing plan and a brochure were developed. Thanks to a grant from the Newton Pride Committee, residents will be mailed a beautifully designed brochure, listing all of the organizations, how to reach them and details of their spring events. Billboards placed around town, articles in newspapers, announcements in newsletters, and local cable coverage are other ways the group will be reaching out to the public.
How does Newton, with the proximity of Boston arts, boast these world class programs? Reviews such as “Boston’s theatrical standard-bearer against which all great acting will be compared..” about the New Repertory Theatre in Bay Windows; from the Boston Globe, “In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 disaster, there have been countless miracles… one touching example was the special memorial performance of the Verdi Requiem that the New Philharmonia Orchestra and Newton Choral Society pulled together in just two weeks, It was a triumph;” about the Boston Artists Ensemble: ”These topflight performers remind you what the experience of chamber music is supposed to be like;” and from Christine Temin, Living Arts, wrote of the New Art Center exhibit Suitable Means: “Suitable Means evokes a boldness, a theoretical approach, and a willingness to pose tough questions about the blurring boundary between clothes and commerce…” are not uncommon. Many professional artists and musicians make their home in Newton. "The residents of this city have a great love of the arts," said Mayor Cohen.
The success of this information campaign will be measured when the 83,000 residents Discover Newton Arts. For more information call the Mayor's office for Cultural Affairs at 617-552-7130 or check the Discover Newton Arts website at www.DiscoverNewtonArts.org.