Cool Culture will mount its 7th Annual Culture Fair for Underserved Kids

Written by rubin Thursday, 19 March 2009 07:58

New York, NY– Responding to increasing hardships faced by the youngest New Yorkers as the economic downturn kicks into full gear, Cool Culture funnels support from among its funders and partners to low-income families.  On Thursday, March 26, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Cool Culture will mount its 7^th Annual Culture Fair, All Hands on Deck: Crafting the Teachable Moment, at the South Street Seaport Museum. This year’s Cool Culture Fair will bring parents and educators together with cultural institutions to explore how to create teachable moments for young children while on cultural outings and during everyday routines.

Every day more than 50,000 Cool Culture parents whose children are enrolled in subsidized education programs have access to free, unlimited admission to 80 of NYC’s best known museums, botanic gardens and zoos.  Cool Culture’s innovative programming helps parents to support their children’s language and cognitive development by assisting them to leverage top-notch educational programs available in cultural institutions throughout the five boroughs.

“Even during the best economic times, low-income families have little disposable income left after paying for everyday necessities.  As New Yorker’s increasingly feel the effects of the recession, Cool Culture is an important resource for connecting low-income children and families to free, educational resources that help parents prepare their children for school, and to enjoy the quality family time together that is so important during trying times.” says Cool Culture Executive Director, Candice Anderson.

More than 50 of NYC’s world renown cultural institutions will be represented and eight different panel sessions will focus on this year’s Cool Culture Fair’ theme which will be led by some of NYC’s premiere museum educators, artists and directors.  Panel presenters include:  Cathleen Wiggins, Professor & Director, Leadership in the Arts Program, Bank Street College of Education; Nelly Silagy Benedek, Director of Education, Jewish Museum; and Rocio Galarza, Director of Content Design and Outreach, Sesame Street Workshop.

Founded in 1999, Cool Culture helps families in low-income households to overcome the barriers of cost, lack of information and perception that cultural institutions are “not for us,” that prevent them from taking advantage of the educational resources provided by NYC’s cultural institutions.

For more information about Cool Culture and the 7^th Annual Cool Culture Fair, please contact J.R. Magsaysay at 718.230.4186 x304 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit  www.cool-culture.org .