ECHDC announces grants for 2013 Buffalo River programming

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. announced today that Art Services Initiative of Western New York has presented its recommendations for the 2013 Buffalo River assisted programming grants. ASI recommends 21 grant applications for a total of 75 programs, allocating the full $64,500 allotted in its contract with ECHDC and far exceeding the goal of 30 programs.

"Gov. Cuomo has targeted the revitalization of Buffalo's waterfront as one of his top priorities, as it will lead to the overall strength and vitality of New York state," said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia. "The Buffalo River is an ideal place for entertainment, educational, recreational and related experiences, and these recommendations capitalize on the community's desire to enhance this outdoor space."

The programs will use multiple sites along the Buffalo River, and the river itself, and represent diversity of programming and organizations.

"The sites along the Buffalo River, such as Silo City, River Fest Park, and the new Mutual Riverfront Park, are quickly becoming a hub for creative and cutting-edge programming that ranges from family and community events to major programs by some of our leading cultural organizations," said ASI Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk. "Only along the Buffalo River will you see a performance by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, a commemoration of the historic Tewksbury incident, and poetry and performance art among the grain elevators. ASI would like to thank the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. for the opportunity to enhance the river area with such diverse programs and activities."

Programs include:

Wellness on the Water (Valley Community Association Inc.)

Buffalo River Fest Park

Yoga classes every Monday in July, August and September (except Labor Day)

Historic Tours by a Native Old 1^st Warder (Valley Community Association Inc.)

Mutual Riverfront Park

Every Tuesday in July; Aug. 1, 3, 8, 15; Sept. 7; Oct. 5

Rockin' on the River (Valley Community Association Inc.)

Buffalo River Fest Park

Every Wednesday in July and August; Sept. 4, 13

Explore & More Imagination Playground (Explore & More Children's Museum)

Buffalo River Fest Park and Father Conway Park

July 13 and Sept. 7, 14

Two Row Cultural Canoe Paddle (Neto Hatinakwe Onkwehowe)

Buffalo River Fest Park

July 14

Adult & Youth Learn to Row Summer Program (Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association)

301 Ohio St., Boat House

July 15-27 and Aug. 5-17

Sketching & Photography Field Trips (Locust Street Neighborhood Art Classes)

Silo City and Mutual Riverfront Park

July 20, 27 and Aug. 3

From Earth to Sky (Buffalo Aerial Dance and New ALT Theatre)

Buffalo River Fest Park

July 29

Family Movie Nights (Squeaky Wheel/Buffalo Media Resources)

Buffalo River Fest Park

Aug. 6, 13

City of Night (Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo)

Silo City

Aug. 17

Motion Picture (Torn Space Theatre)

Silo City and Mutual Riverfront Park

Aug. 23 and 24

Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Presents Van Taylor (Buffalo Music Hall of Fame)

Buffalo River Fest Park

Aug. 27

Grain Dances, Steel Floats (David Butler)

Mutual Riverfront Park

Aug. 31 and Sept. 1

My Future Ex: Float My Resident (University at Buffalo Art Galleries)

Various sites along the Buffalo River, including Mutual Riverfront Park

Sept. 2-28

Ghost Ships and the Flood: Remembering the Tewksbury Incident (Valley Community Association, Inc.)

Buffalo River Fest Park

Sept. 7

Friends of Harmony Concert (Friends of Harmony)

Buffalo River Fest Park

Sept. 10

Hallwalls River Fest Concert (Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center)

Buffalo River Fest Park

Sept. 12

BPO at River Fest Park (Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra)

Buffalo River Fest Park

Sept. 22

100,000 Poets & Artists for Change (Just Buffalo Literary Center)

Silo City

Sept. 28

Pyromancy Fire Performance Troupe will also perform at several events at Buffalo River Fest Park and Mutual Riverfront Park in July and August.

A complete listing can be found at http://www.asiwny.org/programs/buffalo-river-programming/.

In 2012, ASI successfully administered the release of funds to 15 organizations that provided 177 free events to the public between May and October.

In April, the ECHDC board of directors authorized a three-year, $264,550 contract with ASI for programming and coordination services along the Buffalo River. The funding source for this contract is proceeds payable to ECHDC pursuant to the New York Power Authority relicensing agreement.