NEW YORK.- The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation today announced a worldwide outreach campaign to cultural institutions interested in becoming part of the facilities and programs on the future World Trade Center site.  The Invitation to Cultural Institutions seeks information from those interested in creating an interpretive museum of the events of February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001 on the World Trade Center site.  It also seeks information from cultural institutions interested in relocating or becoming part of cultural facilities on the World Trade Center site.  Information gathered from institutions will be used to further develop World Trade Center site plans. 

New York State Governor George E. Pataki said, ”Cultural programs are an essential element to creating a thriving urban environment in Lower Manhattan. The future World Trade Center site will incorporate a vast complex of cultural institutions that frame and protect the memorial setting, including an interpretive museum that tells the stories of the many individuals who lost their lives in these horrific attacks and the countless acts of heroism that emerged from tragedy.   I strongly encourage cultural institutions nationwide and abroad to participate in Lower Manhattan’s historic rebirth.”

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, "Great cities are not only created by their architecture and open spaces, they are also made richer through cultural and arts institutions that inspire our hearts and enrich our minds.  Today’s announcement shows once again that we are moving forward steadily with plans to implement our vision for Lower Manhattan.  The information we glean from this process will be invaluable in forming the basis of the cultural institution or museum that will help New Yorkers and visitors from around the world understand not only the terrible events of September 11th but also where we go from here. In addition, this process will produce proposals from arts and cultural institutions that wish to locate in Lower Manhattan, making the downtown area an even more vibrant global hub of culture and commerce, a live-and-work-and-visit community for the world. We must live up to the challenge of creating a memorial that will inspire us, help us to remember those we have lost, and what their ultimate sacrifice means to all of us and our way of life."

LMDC Chairman John C. Whitehead said, "We have long believed that in addition to a fitting memorial on the site a museum dedicated to remembering and interpreting the tragic events was an important element in the rebuilding of the World Trade Center.  New York is blessed with a broad range of the finest cultural institutions in the world.   We hope to utilize their knowledge and experience, as well as national and international cultural institutions, in further developing our plans for the area. We hope to gain their interest in considering locating here or becoming part of cultural facilities and programs in both the visual and performing arts."

LMDC President Kevin M. Rampe said, “LMDC, with the unwavering support of Governor George Pataki and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is committed to making Lower Manhattan a preeminent cultural district.  Lower Manhattan is already home to some of New York’s foremost educational institutions, museums, and cultural institutions.  It is essential that the World Trade Center site reflect the cultural diversity that has long been engraved in downtown’s character.”

New York City Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate Levin said, "This is an exciting and meaningful opportunity to reach out to a diverse cultural universe that can help shape Lower Manhattan to the benefit of artists and audiences throughout the City.  As both a source of enrichment and an economic engine, cultural organizations will have a profound impact on the redevelopment process.”

New York State Council on the Arts Chairman Richard Schwartz said, “Lower Manhattan has a long tradition of culture and diversity.  This is an exciting and wonderful opportunity for cultural institutions worldwide to take part in sharing their ideas and extending their knowledge to the efforts of the rebuilding and revitalization of Lower Manhattan.”

LMDC is seeking institutions to provide a diverse and broad range of cultural programs and activities for the growing residential and business district in Lower Manhattan.   Interested institutions are asked to send information including: their proposed programming and mission, including international aspects, community outreach and educational programs; documentation of a proven track record establishing that the organization has accomplished the proposed program or can accomplish the proposed program; financial information; and, a detailed description of facility uses and building requirements including a range of both footprint areas and total square feet.   Respondents should not assume that their will be any financial contribution from the LMDC.   LMDC, in cooperation with the State and City, will use the information gathered from cultural institutions to further develop World Trade Center site plans.  A determination of the appropriate level of financial support will be made at a future date.   This invitation is not a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) and will not result in the awarding of grants. 

The complete guidelines for submitting information are located on LMDC’s website at www.RenewNYC.com.     Cultural institutions may submit their responses until 5:00 PM EDT on September 15, 2003.  This invitation is not intended for cultural programs and facilities interested in locating beyond the World Trade Center site.  Consideration for the submitted information will begin in the fall of 2003 along with information developed through other planning initiatives.