For Immediate Release: FAYETTEVILLE ARTS FESTIVAL AT CROSSROADS FOR 2008, FATE IN HANDS OF THE COMMUNITY

The organizers of the Fayetteville Arts Festival announced today that they are embarking on a major fundraising drive to garner financial support for the 2008 festival. The group of volunteers has been working since January to organize this year’s event, which will highlight both visual and performing arts and is scheduled to take place over a span of two weekends: August 29th, 30th and 31st (visual arts) and September 5th, 6th & 7th (performing arts).

“We are really at a make-or-break point for the festival,” said Daniel Keeley, Board President of Fayetteville Downtown Partners, the non-profit organization that produces the festival. “If we can reach our fundraising goal, I am confident this year’s festival will be a success. If we don’t, the current volunteer committee does not have the monetary resources necessary to make it happen on its own.”

The group has set a goal of raising $50,000 by April 15th and hopes to benefit from both corporate and private business sponsors, as well as from individuals looking to support the arts in Northwest Arkansas with a tax-deductible donation.

“I think a lot of people assume the festival is paid for with Fayetteville city funds, but that is not the case. The future of the festival depends solely on the generosity of the people of Northwest Arkansas and their desire to see the Arts remain an important part of our regional culture,” Keeley continued.

An historical component of the arts and culture scene of Northwest Arkansas, the Fayetteville Arts Festival has grown in recent years into one of the region’s premier arts events, representing dozens of artists from throughout Arkansas and the surrounding states. In 2007, an estimated 9,000 patrons attended festival events, and visual artists sold over $40,000 worth of original art.

Those wanting to support the 2008 Fayetteville Arts Festival are asked to visit www.fayettevilleartsfestival.com or to leave a message at 479.571.3337.

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Inquiries or follow-up questions regarding this press release should be directed to Daniel Keeley at 479.530.8347.