Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced Cool New York, the City’s three-week long winter celebration of arts and parks events presented by American Express.  The Mayor was joined by Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, American Express Vice Chairman Jonathan S. Linen, NYC & Company President Cristyne Nicholas, actress Heather Graham, and former New York Ranger and Hockey Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert.  Cool New York kicks off on January 9 and runs through February 2, 2004, and features more than 200 cultural organizations and 500 events, many free of charge, in all five boroughs.  The Mayor also highlighted NYC & Company’s Annual Paint the Town Winter Celebration, a citywide savings promotion providing hundreds of discounts on hotels, Broadway shows, dining, and sightseeing tours.  Today’s announcement was followed by an ice carving demonstration in City Hall Park by Joe O’Donoghue of Ice Fantasies of Brooklyn.

“We are proud to host an event that will bring New Yorkers of all ages together this winter to enjoy the countless cultural and parks activities that New York has to offer,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Cool New York features something for everyone, including dance performances, art exhibits, and winter sports. It is the perfect opportunity to get out this winter season, explore new neighborhoods, and appreciate the magic of the City.”

“Cool New York is breaking new ground as the City’s most extensive attempt ever to market the diverse non-profit cultural community, along with the entire parks community, as a unified network of City attractions,” said Commissioner Levin. “Culture and parks are key to the City’s quality of life, and Cool New York is a great way for New Yorkers and visitors alike to show their support and appreciation for the City’s wealth of cultural and recreational offerings.”

“Winter is a great time of year in New York and our City’s parks provide countless reasons to enjoy the outdoors,” said Commissioner Benepe. “With over 500 reasons to get out, there is no excuse not to join the exciting activities provided through Cool New York. The first Cool New York parks event, Winter Festival 2004, will take place on January 10th in Central Park. This free event invites New Yorkers to take part in a fun-filled day of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, snow sculpting, and more.”

“We congratulate Mayor Bloomberg and his team for bringing together a terrific set of winter events that demonstrate clearly that New York is a City for all seasons,” said Jonathan S. Linen. “When we heard about Cool New York 2004, we wanted to be a part of it, part of reminding and encouraging New Yorkers and visitors alike to enjoy the world-class parks, cultural events, and attractions that make New York the place to be this winter.”

Cool New York is being held during NYC & Company’s annual Paint the Town Winter Celebration, a citywide savings promotion providing hundreds of discounts on hotels, Broadway shows, dining, and sightseeing tours. From December 15, 2003 through March 31, 2004, Paint the Town offers a variety of hotel packages including a Broadway show, dinner at a popular New York City restaurant, and a sightseeing tour. Paint the Town is presented by American Express and Delta Air Lines and supported by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and I Love New York. More information on Paint the Town can be found on www.nycvisit.com.

“Winter is an incredible time to visit New York City and Paint the Town is a great way to enjoy all that the city has to offer,” said Cristyne L. Nicholas, President & CEO of NYC & Company.  “From Broadway and the Bronx Zoo to shopping on Fifth Avenue and a stroll through Central Park, New York City is a winter wonderland with something for everyone.”

Cool New York features a wide range of events for adults and children of all ages, including: a performance by Bukharan Jewish dancers at the Queens Museum of Art; a Lunar New Year Celebration at the Chinese Cultural Center; a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum; poetry readings at the Point Community Development Corporation in the Bronx; Ice Sculpting demonstrations in Queens and Bronx parks; New York Ranger Ice Hockey Clinics in Prospect Park; horseback riding on Randall’s Island; and ice dancing from the Ice Theater of New York at Staten Island’s War Memorial Ice Skating Rink. Cool New York events celebrate the diversity and vibrancy that defines our City.

Cool New York facts:

• More than 500 scheduled events
• Nearly half of the events are for children
• More than one-third of the events are free
• An additional third of the events offer discounts and/or free admission some days
• Nearly 40 events are outdoors

A comprehensive listing of Cool New York events will be inserted in The New York Times on Friday, January 9, and will also be available at NYC & Company kiosks throughout the City and at participating organizations. In addition to the events, Cool New York highlights select neighborhoods in each borough that feature clusters of arts organizations and parks, called “Cool Spots.” Information about the “Cool Spots”, their locations, and subway directions, will be included in the brochure, on the City’s website: www.nyc.gov, and on “Z Cards” (credit-card sized booklets that unfold into MTA subway maps on one side and “Cool Spot” listings on the other). “Z Cards” will be available free of charge at NYC & Company kiosks and participating organizations.  Locations and times of Cool New York events can also be obtained by calling 311.  Con Edison and The New York Times are co-sponsors of Cool New York.