Cultural Alliance of Niagara elects officers

The Cultural Alliance of Niagara, the arts and culture advocacy coalition serving Niagara County, has announced the election of officers for 2012-13.

The following were elected: Kate Koperski, director of the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University, president; Gay Molnar, director of development, Aquarium of Niagara, vice president; Susan Clements, coordinator of community relations for the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University, treasurer; and Irene Rykaszewski, executive director, Lewiston Council on the Arts, secretary.

The Cultural Alliance of Niagara was formed in the early 1980s as a partnership between the arts, cultural and heritage organizations of Niagara County in a combined effort to strengthen awareness of Niagara's destinations and to secure funding and support. The concept of cultural tourism was taking shape in the region, and Niagara County's arts, cultural and heritage organizations were early supporters of this important economic development strategy.

CAN members include the Aquarium of Niagara, Artpark, Carnegie Art Center, Carrousel Museum, Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University, Kenan Center, Lewiston Council on the Arts, McClew Interpretative Center at Murphy Orchards, Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, Niagara County Historical Association, North Tonawanda History Museum, Old Fort Niagara, Power Vista Visitor Center and the Historic Riviera Theater.

For more information about CAN, contact Kate Koperski at 716-286-8293.