24^th ANNUAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

TO BE HELD AUGUST 9^th AT PARAMOUNT PICTURES

HOLLYWOOD U.S.A. The Hollywood Arts Council’s 24^th Annual Children’s Festival of the Arts was held Sunday, August 9^th from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. at Paramount Pictures Studio, 5555 Melrose Ave.

The Free Children’s Festival is a day-long celebration of the arts and culture in Hollywood.

The festival is presented by the Hollywood Arts Council and is sponsored in part by Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council, Paramount Pictures, ABC 7, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Barnsdall Arts, Discover Hollywood Magazine, Utrecht Art Supplies, and Councilmember Eric Garcetti.

The Hollywood Arts Council is a community-based organization founded in 1978 to promote, nurture, and support the arts in Hollywood. The free annual Children’s Festival of the Arts is one of many projects and events presented by the Council to enhance the quality of life in the city. The Council’s projects also include Project SOAR (Students Overcoming All Risks), an after school art program presented in Hollywood area elementary schools. The Hollywood Arts Council’s funders include the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Paramount Pictures, Dwight Stuart Youth Foundation, Bank of America Foundation, The Walt Disney Company, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council and the Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council.

Paramount Studios is located at 5555 Melrose Avenue between Van Ness Avenue and Gower Street. Enter at Bronson Gate, where there will be ample free parking on site. For more information, call (323) 871-ARTS or visit us at www.hollywoodartscouncil.org

Contact: Emily Chin, Project Coordinator

Hollywood, CA – The Board of Trustees of the Hollywood Arts Council and Live Nation will present The 23^rd Annual Charlie Awards: “A Night In Hollywood,” a 40’s themed Black-Tie Optional, Red-Carpet Gala Event emceed by KABC Television’s George Pennacchio on Sunday, April 19, at the Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Boulevard (at Argyle Avenue).  The evening, which is open to the general public, will feature cocktails, a silent auction, dancing to the Art Deco Swing Orchestra followed by a buffet dinner catered by Wolfgang Puck and the awards presentation.  Awards are presented on the Hollywood Arts Council’s behalf by a cast of Hollywood notables.  Past celebrity presenters have included Mitzi Gaynor, Connie Stevens, Lily Tomlin, Fred Travelena to name a few. 

In addition to Live Nation, the presenting sponsor, other sponsors include Paramount Pictures, Author Services, Larry and Laura Worchell, the Community Redevelopment Agency, Classic Arts Showcase, Hudson Capital LLC, California Offset Printers, and NCA Green.  Proceeds from the event benefit Project SOAR (Students Overcoming All Risks), the Council’s after school art program conducted in eight Hollywood area elementary schools serving over 1,500 kids each year.   

  “We are excited about our 23^rd Annual Charlie Awards at one of Hollywood’s oldest and most beloved venues, the Hollywood Palladium.” says Nyla Arslanian, President of the Hollywood Arts Council.  “With the economic situation, this is a challenging year, but our kids’ art programs must continue; Hollywood’s at risk children can’t wait for times to get better.  This event helps everyone.  We need some good news and events such as The Charlie’s provide support for worthy and necessary community efforts and helps the economy.”

For 23 years the Hollywood Arts Council Awards, “The Charlies,” have recognized contributions of merit to the community of Hollywood and its arts.  Awards are presented by celebrities in various categories.  Awardees are chosen by the Council’s Board of Trustees.

2009 Charlie Award Recipients include:

MUSIC ARTS AWARD - THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM
Recipient – LIVE NATION AND NCA GREEN
Developer NCA Green’s renovation has not only returned this landmark to its former glory, the partnership with the nation's foremost live concert and events company, Live Nation brings “state of the art” production values to this landmark entertainment venue.

ARCHITECTURAL ARTS AWARD - HUDSON CAPITAL, LLC
Technicolor’s new headquarters and newest Sunset Boulevard office building graces the entrance to Sunset Gower Studios.

THEATRE ARTS AWARD - INDEPENDENT SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
For six years of free Shakespeare throughout the summer at Barnsdall Art Park.

PUBLIC ARTS AWARD - GEORGE SPORTELLI, Artist
The artist’s Tony Curtis on the 101 Freeway, and Frank Sinatra, moved from Vine Street to Las Palmas Avenue, are not only funded by the artist but maintained by him as well.  Fortunately, his Hollywood murals are seldom tagged, but Tony Curtis requires constant vigilance.

PRESERVATION ARTS AWARD - THE KRESS HOLLYWOOD
Formerly Fredericks of Hollywood, the historic S.H. Kress Building is one of Hollywood Boulevard’s most distinctive structures. 

COMMUNITY ARTS AWARD - THE ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET       
Recipient – A. F. Gilmore Company
Celebrating its 75^th Anniversary, the Farmers Market is much more than fruit and vegetables.  It’s a gathering place celebrating every holiday with music and arts activities for the entire community.

COMEDIC ARTS AWARD - UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE
A branch of the successful the New York City group, Upright Citizens Brigade presents affordable, high quality shows seven nights a week at the former Tamarind Theatre on Franklin Avenue. 

The Hollywood Arts Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is an action oriented organization that works for the benefit of the Hollywood community through the arts.  Strongly linked to the Council’s purpose to promote, nurture and support the arts is the belief that the arts revitalize people as well as communities. Since 2000, Project SOAR (Students Overcoming All Risks), its after school art program has grown significantly. The Council also sponsors the annual Children’s Festival of the Arts held the second Sunday of August at Paramount Pictures, and promotes the arts through a daily arts calendar of arts activities published in “Discover Hollywood” magazine and on its website www.hollywoodartscouncil.org.