Kimmel Center Inc. announces new Arts Partners initiative, a pilot program funded by the Barra Foundation for 10 months, beginning December 31, 2008 and runs through September 30, 2009.

The Arts Partners program allows for five Philadelphia-based organizations – Taller Puertorriqueño, Destiny Productions, The Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia, African Cultural Alliance of North America, and Centro Nueva Creación— to develop a cultural partnership with the Kimmel Center that provides greater access to arts programming and educational opportunities for their constituents. To date, 500 students have participated in the program.

A new model for community based organizations to increase educational opportunities and exposure to the arts at the Kimmel Center, the Arts Partners program allows for an organization to author their own experiences at the center. Working in tandem with Kimmel Center staff, an organization selects which Kimmel Center programming is most relevant to their core mission and values, and may utilize the center's facilities for public engagement activities around performances or for stand-alone activities. Arts Partners also have the opportunity to experience performances with pre- and post-show artist chats and other events that may enhance the artistic experience for the group.

Additionally, transportation is available through the AETNA-Kimmel Bus Program, which underwrites all transportation costs for Arts Partners to and from the Kimmel Center.

"We are excited to be entering our initial phase of the Arts Partners program," said Kimmel Center President and CEO Anne Ewers, "Thanks to the generous support of the Barra Foundation, the Kimmel Center is now able to institute this unique model for local organizations to create rewarding, long lasting relationships with our center as we continue to develop educational opportunities in our community."

"The Barra Foundation is thrilled to support the Kimmel Center in developing the new Arts Partners initiative," said Barra Foundation President William Harral.

"It has been such a pleasure partnering with the Kimmel Center," said Lisa Ndiaye, board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia. "Through the Arts Partners initiative, 140 of our students have had the amazing opportunity to interact with top quality performers, who engage in teaching others social responsibility, thereby reinforcing one of our core values."

For more information, visit the Kimmel Center’s website at www.kimmelcenter.org.