The Catskill Chronicle

Delaware Valley Arts Alliance Launches 2014 Marketing Program

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 16, 2014) – The Delaware Valley Arts Alliance has launched its 2014 marketing campaign themed “Arts and Culture Provide a Boost to Our Economy.” The campaign will highlight the benefits that all local arts organizations bring to the economy of our region and how they enhance the quality of life for full and part-time residents and visitors.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the National Endowment for the Arts completed a study in 2011 showing that Arts/Culture and Tourism account for 6% of the Gross National product, a significant part of the U.S. economy. Art and culture generated $ 4.97 billion in economic activity, followed closely by tourism at $ 4.34 billion.

While arts organizations generate money for downtowns and businesses by creating activity and reasons for people to congregate and visit, they still struggle to finance and sustain programs. Private support is critical as government support dwindles.

The DVAA marketing package offers many opportunities, online and in print, that business can use to market their brand, including a four-color annual program; on-screen logos at the Big Eddy Film Festival; the Artsletter; the web; Riverfest and more.

For more information or to participate in this campaign call 845-252-7576.

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2014 Sullivan County Catskills Travel Guide Now Available

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 16, 2014) – The Sullivan County Visitor’s Association has officially released the 2014 Sullivan County Catskills Travel Guide.

The guide, designed by FisherMears Associates of Liberty, NY, features vibrant cover art and theme highlighting the 45^th anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. More than 400 personal requests for the guide have already been received through the web, and shipped to the travel information center across New York State. A second shipment is going out to the Thruway centers shortly.

“The guides are just flying out the door, and we expect this season to be a banner year for tourism,” said Roberta Byron-Lockwood, SCVA President. “Starting the season off with Mysteryland, USA, named the #1 festival to see in 2014, is just the boost we need as we celebrate the monumental anniversary of Woodstock.”

The new edition of the travel guide features an up-to-date map and a comprehensive listing of county attractions, accommodations, and restaurants. To explore this valuable resource tool online in its entirety, visit www.scva.net. To receive a copy visit www.scva.net/brochure, call the SCVA at 800-882-2287, or visit the SCVA office at 100 Sullivan Ave., Suite 2 in Ferndale, N.Y.

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New Producer for Forestburgh Playhouse

FORESTBURGH, NY (February 16, 2014) The Forestburgh Playhouse has announced that Franklin Trapp, whose professional background includes both  theatre and law, has taken over the leadership of the Forestburgh Playhouse as producer effective immediately.

Former Producer Norman Duttweiler will remain on board as Managing Director through the 2014 summer season to facilitate a smooth transition.

Trapp has a long association with the Forestburgh Playhouse beginning with his first appearance at the Playhouse in 2001 as a young Equity Membership Candidate. He remained at the Playhouse every summer through 2004, eventually earning his Equity card, and adding stage direction to his list of accomplishments. In addition to performing featured roles in main stage Playhouse productions including “Titanic,” “Ragtime,” and “My Fair Lady,” among others, he also wrote and directed children’s shows, directed cabarets, and directed the first Playhouse production of “The Sound of Music.”

Working closely with Franklin for this first critical year under new leadership will be retiring Producer Norman Duttweiler.

The 68^th season of the Forestburgh Playhouse begins in June with Agatha Christie’s “A Murder is Announced,” followed by “My Fair Lady,” both “Mame” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” with M*A*S*H star Loretta Swit, Disney’s “Mary Poppins,” and “La Cage aux Folles.” The season ends with Chaim Potok’s touching drama, “The Chosen.” For additional information visit www.FBplayhouse.org.