Contact: Colleen Roche/Brenda Perez (212) 788-2958
Angie Tang (MOIALS) (212) 788-7654
The American Art Show features an exhibition titled "New York, New York: Perspectives on Our City by International Resident Artists." The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and Language Services is sponsoring the exhibit which showcases the works of 34 immigrant artists, who were born in 21 countries.
The Mayor was joined by Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and Language Services Angie Tang; Howard Li, an immigrant entrepreneur; and the 34 participating artists.
"The New American Art Show is a superb visual demonstration of how immigrants have contributed to New York City's dynamism," said Mayor Giuliani. "The art works about the City seen through the perceptive eyes of 34 first generation artists are the heartfelt expressions of their energy, their courage, their love of home and country, and their passion for New York."
"New York City is enriched by immigrants in every generation. The contributions of immigrants are too many to list. Immigrants have built this country and this great City through their hard work and creativity. This New American Art Show adds a wonderful dimension to the celebration of the Centennial of the consolidation of our five Boroughs," the Mayor concluded.
Immigrant Affairs Executive Director Angie Tang said, "As the epicenter of the arts and multiculturalism, the City is the ideal host for an exhibit highlighting the artistry of immigrants. The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and Language Services is proud to celebrate immigrants, the arts and New York City in the New American Art Show."
The ceremony also featured music performed by the New American String Quartet. The Quartet was organized by the New York Association for New Americans (NYANA) in 1993. NYANA assists immigrant and refugee clients to continue their artistic careers by providing art supplies, materials and exhibiting opportunities to visual artists and by finding performing venues and teaching jobs for musicians. Ten artists participating in the show are clients of NYANA.
In addition to immigrant visual artists and musicians, the celebration highlighted the spectrum of immigrants' talents by showcasing the culinary arts of more than 12 ethnic cuisines at the reception following the ceremony.