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Buffalo Named Top Arts Destination in The U.S.

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Peter K. Cutler
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National Magazine Names Buffalo Number One for Mid-sized Cities


BUFFALO—AmericanStyle Magazine, through its annual readers’ poll, has announced that the City of Buffalo is the top Mid-Sized City arts destination in the United States.  

“Arts lovers across the country are learning what so many of us in Buffalo know: our city, on a variety of levels, possesses an amazingly diverse arts community that offers something for everyone,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown.  “In my State of the City address, I announced that 2008 is the Year of the Arts in the City of Buffalo, and now that distinction is truer than ever.  From our world-renowned museums and galleries, to our thriving performing and visual arts communities, Buffalo is truly a great American arts community.”

Mayor Brown also solidified his commitment to Buffalo’s arts community by reinvigorating the Buffalo Arts Commission and appointed Barbra Kavanaugh as Chair of the reconstituted Commission. 

“As I stated during the State of the City Address, Barbra brings a unique background as an attorney, and a former Buffalo City Councilmember, which will help the Commission get back on track,” said Mayor Brown.  “I am confident that Barbra and the other Commission members will do great things on behalf of the arts community in Buffalo and I know this national designation will only enhance their collective efforts to reinforce Buffalo’s tremendous arts assets.”

During the State of the City Address, Mayor Brown also announced a $1 million commitment to help build a new Urban Arts Center in the Michigan Avenue Cultural Corridor, further diversifying and strengthening the great arts assets of Buffalo. In addition, the Mayor highlighted the anticipated opening this fall of the new Burchfield-Penney Art Center at Buffalo State College, which will mark the opening of the first major museum to be built in Buffalo in 100 years.

“Our local commitment is getting national recognition thanks to the investment the City of Buffalo is making in the arts,” said newly appointed Chairperson Barbra Kavanaugh.   “Mayor Brown has set the tone for the coming year and this honor will only serve to inspire not only the commission, but our local artists to continue this great work.”

Buffalo has been ranked by the magazine for the past several years.  This year, Buffalo beat out cities such as Scottsdale, AZ and Pittsburgh, PA.

“This is just another powerful indicator that the arts and cultural community is one of the most important defining characteristics of our city and region,” said Celeste Lawson, Executive Director of the Arts Council in Buffalo & Erie County.