THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

OFFICE OF COUNCILMAN VINCENT GENTILE

CITY HALL
NEW YORK, NY 10007
(212) 788-7363
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
February 28, 2011

Contact: Dena Libner

(646) 335-3692

COUNCILMAN GENTILE LAUNCHES COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE

THE BAY RIDGE ARTS & CULTURE COMMUNITY

BAY RIDGE−This month, Councilman Vincent Gentile hosted the kick-off meeting of a
local committee designed to promote arts and culture organizations in Bay Ridge.

The sheer turnout of organizations at the committee’s kick-off meeting proved Bay Ridge
is home to an impressive arts and culture community: representatives of nearly 30 local
organizations attended the kick-off meeting on February 15.

“We’ve got an incredible arts scene in Bay Ridge,” Councilman Gentile said. “A lack of
organization and self-promotion are our only problems, and this committee is our
solution.”

An early-February article, published in the New York Times, detailed the best way to
spend 36 hours in Brooklyn. An accompanying map of the borough outlined the
neighborhoods in Brooklyn recommended to travelers and tourists: the area began in
Greenpoint and ended in Sunset Park.

“So often, south Brooklyn is written off, or overlooked – but Bay Ridge is home to some
of the most talented, hard-working artists in Brooklyn,” Councilman Gentile said. “It’s
time for them to be recognized.”

At the kick-off meeting, the group worked on defining its mission and brainstorming
methods of promotion. Ideas included a networking event to introduce organization
leaders to one another to encourage cross-promotion, meetings with borough- and city-
wide tourism bureaus to promote Bay Ridge’s arts community.

To speak to members of the new committee, contact:

Georgine Benvenuto, Gallery 364 (917-767-3848)

Jimmy Johnson, Narrows Botanical Garden (718-748-4810)
Daniel Cardona, Martha Cardona Theater (347-299-4227)
Victoria Hofmo, Scandinavian East Coast Museum (718-748-5950)

###