National attention received; 90% of art created by locals; 350,000 attend

According to the feedback and numbers, Artown's 2007 festival was a smashing success. More than ever before, people attended events with skilled local artists participating in and producing 90% of the 12th annual festival.

Artown received national coverage in 2007 for the festivals internationally renowned headliners' appearances in Reno.

American Ballet Theatre made its Northern Nevada premier, Herbie Hancock returned to Reno after decades away and Hell's Kitchen Dance with Mikhail Baryshnikov selected Reno as the only West Coast stop on their tour schedule.

In its 12 years of existence, Artown has proven itself not only to the hundreds of thousands of locals who attend Artown events each July, but on an international scale.

An estimated 350,000 people experienced Artown events this year. That is an increase of 65,000 from 2006 figures and is attributed to the dramatic attendance increases at Artown's opening night and closing celebrations, Art Paws in the Park, and the Drum, Dance and Didgeridoo Festival.

The inclusion of Star-Spangled Sparks, Michael Buble fans, 50 new events and sold-out houses at Artown's ticketed performance also boosted attendance figures for the festival's 12th year.

New to Artown this year were the American Songbook Series Monday evenings at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch, which opened with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and finished with the enchanting sounds of Cami Thompson.

Visual artists had an opportunity to showcase and sell works at Artown's Art Market each Friday night in West Street Plaza.

GospelFest inspirational music and dance celebrated African-American Culture in Wingfield Park, July 21.

Exciting new venues also joined the festival, with the addition of The River School, The Reno Events Center, and Downtown City Plaza, which proved to be a terrific venue for many performances, such as Controlled Burn, the Reno Municipal Band, and for the kickoff of the Artown Opening Night Parade.

The Artown Board of Directors, staff adn all the incredible local artists and performers could not have made the 2007 festival happen without the valued assistance of more than 90 volunteers who graciously donated more than 1,000 hours throughout the month.

Assisting with everything from manning information booths to working with security and city officials to ensure the safety and comfort of our patrons, they acted as ambassadors to the public for Artown and kept the festival running smoothly for 31 days.

As always, the City of Reno was Artown's primary funder, but without the festival sponsors and generous support of the event sponsors, foundations and Friends of Artown, the event simply would not be.

For their contributions to Artown, the organization is incredibly grateful, and to all the people who come to enjoy the events throughout July, thanks for the laughter, spirit, and support.