Downtown Albany BID Announces 2009 Calendar and Photo Contest

ALBANY, NY (05/08/2008)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) announced that it is developing a commemorative calendar for 2009 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s historic voyage and landing in what would become Albany. The calendar, developed with initial funding furnished by Mr. Edward P. Swyer, President of Swyer Companies, will capture the history, beauty and culture of Albany. It will be launched in conjunction with this September’s arrival in Albany of the Half Moon, a full-scale, operating replica of the Dutch ship of exploration that Henry Hudson sailed in 1609.

To ensure the calendar features dynamic and compelling images, the BID is conducting an open call for amateur and professional photographers to submit photos for inclusion. Each applicant may submit up to three images that emphasize the history, architecture and culture of downtown Albany. Photographs will be chosen for the calendar by a juried panel with cash honoraria of $1,000, $500 and $250 awarded for the top three images selected, respectively. All selected photographers will receive photo credits, a framed photograph of their image and five copies of the published calendar.

“The Downtown Albany Quadricentennial Calendar is a wonderful way to involve the community in a project that commemorates the 400th anniversary and showcases Albany’s rich heritage, outstanding quality of life and bright promise for the future,” said Pamela Tobin, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. “We anticipate a high level of interest from photographers around the region and look forward to seeing some amazing photos of downtown Albany.”

The calendar will herald the Quadricentennial celebrations by including listings of signature events in and around downtown Albany and along the Hudson River throughout 2009. Historical references and other relevant information will also be included in the published piece.

Interested photographers must submit completed applications and image samples to the Downtown Albany BID by noon on Monday, June 30. Winning images will be selected by July 31, 2008. Project details, submission requirements and a downloadable application are available at www.downtownalbany.org.

The 2009 calendar will also act as a fundraiser for the BID (a 501c3 not-for-profit organization), and corporate underwriting opportunities are available for each month. Sponsorships include prominent logo branding and celebratory remarks, in addition to heavy press and publicity activities promoting this commemorative piece. Interested sponsors should contact Bruce McEwing, Director of Marketing at bmcewing@downtownalbany.org or by calling 518-465-2143 ext. 12.

For additional information about Quadricentennial events in the greater Capital District and along the Hudson River corridor, please visit www.hudson400.com (a site maintained by the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau) or www.exploreny400.com (the official site of the New York State Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission).

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About the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District The Downtown Albany BID, incorporated in 1996, is a private, not-for profit 501c3 organization that works to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and to improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for all those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City. Ample public parking is available at downtown’s public garages, lots and on-street metered spaces. Metered parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekends. For information about the Downtown Albany BID, call (518) 465-2143 or visit www.downtownalbany.org.