Appel Farm Announces New Social Media Website VirtuARTSity.org Part of PNC Arts Alive Initiative in Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey Region

ELMER, NJ, April 11, 2011 (Press-News.org) Appel Farm Arts & Music Center is pleased to announce the launch of VirtuARTSity.org, a new website that combines social media and the arts. The project was funded through the PNC Arts Alive program, a five-year, $5 million investment from the PNC Foundation that supports visual and performing arts groups with the goal of increasing arts access and engagement.

VirtuARTSity.org is a unique website, and was created with the goal of creating a forum for people with artistic interests to post their own work, view other work being done by artists from across the region, and join a community of like-minded people for dialogue and knowledge-sharing. Once a person registers on VirtuARTSity.org they can create their own interest-based group and invite friends, or join a discussion. Posting videos, blogs and audio files are more ways for people to connect as artists, and to have an outlet for their work.

"The PNC Foundation has a long history of providing grants to non-profit organizations that strengthen and enrich the lives of our neighbors," said Bill Mills, regional president of PNC for Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. "We understand the valuable return that investing in the arts can deliver. Today, more than ever, the businesses we attract, the jobs we create and the visitors who extend their stay are drawn by what the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region has to offer."

The public can access a video archive of Appel Farm events that will enrich their experiences as audience members. Blogs from Appel Farm's artistic director, and other invited guests, will be accessible. Interviews with artists, large-scale artistic projects and learning techniques are all displayed within a user-friendly format. This offers an opportunity for those unable to attend Appel Farm events to enjoy and learn more about their favorite artist, or learn an artistic technique.

"We are excited about the new way to reach audiences that VirtuARTSity.org encourages," stated Mark Packer, Executive Director of Appel Farm Arts & Music Center. "PNC Arts Alive has enabled us to create a long-term resource that will nurture the artist within all of us, and we are grateful to PNC Foundation for this amazing opportunity."

In order to create content from throughout the region, Appel Farm will be recruiting arts-lovers to become part of Team VirtuARTSity. The team will report on events and post blogs, photos and videos. Those interested in becoming part of this exciting new social media initiative should contact Dee Billia, Appel Farm's director of marketing at dbillia@appelfarm.org.

Location
Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, 457 Shirley Road, Elmer, NJ 08318. Centrally located in Salem County, Appel Farm is a picturesque and convenient drive from Cherry Hill, Philadelphia, Wilmington and many areas of southern New Jersey.

Appel Farm Arts & Music Center is a non-profit regional arts center serving audiences, artists, and students. Programs include an overnight summer arts camp, concerts, family matinees, a major outdoor music festival, and classes for children and adults, outreach in New Jersey public schools and a conference center. More information about Appel Farm can be found at http://www.appelfarm.org, http://www.virtuARTSity.org, or by calling (856) 358-2472.

These programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional funding sources include corporations, foundations and individual contributions by friends, Trustees and alumni of Appel Farm.

Appel Farm's mission is "to provide people of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds with a supportive, cooperative environment in which to explore the fine and performing arts." The philosophy of the Center encompasses the belief that the arts are an exciting and essential part of the learning process, and that artistic talent is innate and waiting to be developed in every person.

Contact us at marketing@appelfarm.org or 856-358-2472