Monday, September 15, 2008

'Earth From Above' Makes NYC Debut In May 2009

Earth From Above

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Earth From Above, OUTDOOR EXHIBITION OF YANN ARTHUS-BERTRAND'S AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY,TO MAKE NEW YORK CITY DEBUT IN MAY 2009

Art installation with environmental message will travel to San Francisco and Los Angeles in 2010



New York, NY (September 11, 2008) – Capping a historic summer of public art exhibits in New York City, organizers today announced plans for the May 2009 New York City premiere of Earth From Above, an outdoor exhibition of large-scale aerial photographs by renowned French photographer and environmentalist Yann Arthus-Bertrand.

The free, eight-week exhibition will take place at the World Financial Center Plaza and along the Battery Park City Esplanade from May 1, 2009 to June 28, 2009. The event is expected to draw more than two million to the Battery Park City area over the course of two months. Picture Earth, the event's U.S. producer, will then bring the exhibit to San Francisco and Los Angeles in 2010.

"This summer, we are seeing that New Yorkers and tourists are hungry for outdoor experiences that surprise, inspire, and engage," said Chantal Buard, creative director and co-founder of Picture Earth. "We believe Earth From Above, with its breathtaking photos and powerful call-to-action, will draw even larger audiences. We are thrilled to bring Yann's extraordinary work and message to American audiences."

Since its 2000 premiere, Earth From Above has inspired more than 130 million people in over 120 cities throughout the world, including London, Tokyo, Beirut, Sydney, Mexico City, and Reykjavik. Born from Arthus-Bertrand's book, Earth From Above, which has sold more than 3 million copies in over 21 languages worldwide, the exhibit is recognized as one of the most influential environmental art events of the 21st century.

The exhibition was created by Arthus-Bertrand both to illuminate Earth's beauty and fragility, and inspire audiences to care for the planet and its resources. Its centerpiece is over 150 4-ft. by 6-ft.aerial photographs that capture the planet in astonishing, unexpected and often abstract ways. Each photo is accompanied by captions that link the image to the environmental and social issues at stake.

"The timing could not be better to bring Earth From Above to New York City," said Arthus-Bertrand. "People are eager now more than ever to get involved and play a greater role in the future of our planet, and I believe Earth From Above can be the catalyst that inspires them to take action." He continues, "When we see the beauty of our world, we feel emotion. And emotion brings reflection."

To further raise awareness and motivate audiences to support sustainable living and development, the exhibit will also feature an "inspiration" pavilion, a walkable world map, and special educational programs.


About Earth From Above
Earth From Above is a platform for people who want to move the world toward a sustainable future. As a brand, Earth From Above includes experiences and content for the growing community of consumers, businesses, educational institutions, non-profits, and municipalities committed to reaching this shared goal.


Originally underwritten by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Earth From Above, the live event, is a large-scale, public art exhibition born from Earth From Above, Yann Arthus-Bertrand's best-selling, illustrated coffee table book. Worldwide, Earth From Above airs as a TV series, and can be found as a layer on Google® Earth. In 2008, it will launch as an online community portal in the United States (earthfromaboveusa.com). "Home," a feature documentary inspired by Earth From Above, produced by Luc Besson and financed by Francois Pinault, will premiere worldwide on June 5, 2009.

About Picture Earth
Picture Earth LLC is an eco-experiential and media company co-founded by Chantal Buard and Sivan Schlecter in 2006 to help launch Earth From Above, Yann Arthus-Bertrand's global call-to-action for sustainability with the American public. Picture Earth LLC educational products include Earth From Above live events, such as the critically acclaimed, public art exhibition, website and online community, video content, and poster kit program. Picture Earth partners with Matter of Trust, a 501(c)(3) public charity and fiscal agent. Contribution checks should be made out to Matter of Trust for Earth From Above-USA, and will help fund future exhibitions nationwide. For more information about corporate sponsorship and underwriting, visit earthfromaboveusa.com.


PRESS CONTACT:

Patrick Kowalczyk (patrick@pkpr.com)

Scott Piro (scott@pkpr.com)

PKPR, 212.627.8098

Press Release and Imagery courtesy of Sivan Schlecter @ Picture Earth.

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