It's Art for Arts Sake This Week in New York

Mayor Mike Bloomberg launched a week of cultural activities (March 2-7) across New York City yesterday—they include everything from special tours to museum discounts, performances to open arts studios. Close to $44 million is expected to be generated by 60,000 visitors partaking of the city’s cultural offerings. In addition, the event is expected to bring in $1.8 million in tax revenues.
Among the goodies offered? Rare looks at the studio of artist Christo and the Alexander Calder Foundation.
The Art Dealer’s Association of America’s Art Show at the Park Avenue Armory, one of the week’s highlights, includes 70 exhibitors who represent the nation’s top art dealers, 55 of whom are from New York. In addition, the (separate) 12th annual Armory show will take place March 4-7 at Piers 92 and 94, and will feature art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Other art shows this week include the Dutch Art Now and Korean Arts Shows.
Other programs around the city this week? Soho Night (March 4); Chelsea Day and Brooklyn Night (March 6) and Lower East Side Day (March 7).
Museums are also getting in on the act, with the recently opened Whitney Biennial; the Target First Saturdays program at the Brooklyn Museum; and MoMa's Performance Series program on March 4
Despite the recession, attendance at cultural institutions was up last year in New York.
For more information, check out nycgo.com