Contact: Sunny Minde (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced that the CowParade will arrive in New York City in the Summer of 2000. The outdoor exhibit will feature over 500 colorful cows decorated and painted by New York City artists. Joining the Mayor at today's announcement in City Hall Park, were Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern, and Jerome D. Elbaum, President of CowParade Worldwide.
"New York City is the Tourism Capital of the World," Mayor Giuliani said. "The CowParade will give visitors and residents one more reason to explore the five boroughs, while adding to New York City's creative, dynamic environment and stimulating the economy. The CowParade, hosted by NYC 2000, is a unique public-private partnership and is a fitting observation of the new millennium."
Commissioner Stern said, "I can't wait to see this exciting display come to life in parks throughout the City this summer. We are proud to have New York's very first bovine visitor installed on the roof of the Arsenal in Central Park, and we look forward to welcoming the entire herd."
Jerome D. Elbaum, President of CowParade, said, "Since CowParade made its debut in Zurich and Chicago, it has caught on like wildfire. In both cities, CowParade made history as not only one of their most successful art and civic spirit programs ever, but it also captured the imagination of residents and visitors alike. We hope that New Yorkers, from Wall Street to the Bronx, will welcome their new neighbors and that New York's arts and business communities will rise to the challenge to pitch in to make this event a success."
The life-size cows measure six to seven feet long, are approximately four feet tall, and will weigh over 500 pounds when decorated. Half of the cows will be placed in City Parks, while others will be corporately sponsored and displayed to the public on private property, such as Rockefeller Center.
The exhibit will begin on June 15, 2000 and continue through Labor Day. At its conclusion, the cows will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting New York City charities, the City Parks Foundation and City Public Schools. Several of the cows from the Chicago exhibit were displayed on the stage and throughout the City Hall Park during today's announcement.
Design proposals will be accepted next year from a wide range of people, from some of the City's best-known artists to students. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel comprised of CowParade representatives, members of the CowParade New York 2000 Host Committee, and other experts. Interested parties should call NYC 2000 at (212) 788-2000.
The CowParade first appeared in Zurich, Switzerland last year, and made its American debut this summer in Chicago, Illinois. Preliminary figures estimate the Chicago exhibit brought two million additional tourists to the city and generated approximately $500 million for the city's economy. CowParade Worldwide, Inc. is an international organization, headquartered in West Hartford, Connecticut, and is composed of American and Swiss interests.