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ATLANTA – June 17, 2005 – The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) expands its family program offering this year with a variety of experiences for children of all ages to enjoy with their parents. In addition to the popular Children’s Village of past Festivals, the 2005 Festival will include:

NBAF Family Program at Woodruff Arts Center: A Sense of Wonder
This two-day event gives attendees the opportunity to discover the wonders of the African Diaspora passed from generation to generation. Children and adults can enjoy story telling, hands-on activities, cultural performances, workshops and demonstrations, films and a multi-cultural book fair. The Family Program at Woodruff Arts Center will be Friday, July 22 from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. (camp groups encouraged to attend) and Saturday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public.

Highlights of the Family Program at Woodruff Arts Center: A Sense of Wonder include:

• Children’s Education Village - Hands-on activities for children.
• Multi-Cultural Book Fair - Features a presentation by The Pinkney’s, a family of nationally recognized children’s book authors and artists. 
• Cultural Stage - Features performing artists including musicians from a variety of cultures.
• Family Films
• Family Corner - Artists booths and demonstrations.
• Cultural Corner - Experiences from Atlanta’s cultural organizations.
• Performances - Featuring The Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program, and a production of “Anansi the Spider.”
• Artist Demonstrations - Jewelry making and hair braiding

South Fulton Arts Festival at Wolf Creek: It’s A Family Affair
This event offers activities for the whole family with games, face painting, sports activities and the opportunity to learn more about the history, art and culture of people of African descent. In the evening, adults can enjoy a concert under the stars with The Manhattans, featuring Gerald Alston and Blue Lovett.  Myrna Clayton and The Experience will open the show.The South Fulton Arts Festival will be held Saturday, July 23. Family programming will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the concert will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Highlights of the South Fulton Arts Festival include:

• Cultural Stage – Performances by local Atlanta artists.
• Artist Demonstrations – An African drum and dance class, a hip-hop class and more.
• Hands-on-Activities Tent – Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to dig into NBAF education activities that teach about African American history and culture, family quilting, mask-making and more.

NBAF Vendors Marketplace at Underground Atlanta
In addition to weekend performances on the main stage, guests at Underground Atlanta can interact with artists and vendors from around the world as they bring unique one-of-a-kind arts and crafts to the Vendor Marketplace. July 15- 24, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Support for Family Day at the Woodruff Arts Center is provided by the Fulton County Commission under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council, Kendeda Fund, UPS Foundation, American Express, Georgia Power, Publix Super Markets Charities, Coca-Cola, Georgia Council for the Arts, Disney, Bureau of Cultural Affairs
Support for the Wolf Creek Concert provided in part by Wachovia. Sponsored by the Fulton County Commission under the Guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council and the National Black Arts Festival

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Media Contacts:
Kristen Stone/Kristen Tate, Edelman
404-262-3000
Kristen.stone@edelman.com/kristen.tate@edelman.com