PITTSBURGH SHINES BRIGHT

Expanded Footprint in Downtown, Oakland and Surrounding Neighborhoods to be Transform Buildings Into Large Scale Works of Art Starting October 10th - November 20, 2008

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 16, 2008) - Back by popular demand, Pittsburgh facades will once again be transformed into unique large scale works of art with rich colors, shapes and textures through state-of-the-art technology and illumination.

The largest light festival of its kind in the United States, the Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights is a "mecca" event strategically timed to coincide with the height of visual and performance arts schedules, to get local residents and tourists alike to experience the region's tremendous array of arts, events and activities that drive economic development, increase travel and tourism and change the way Pittsburghers see their City.

The Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights will kick-off Downtown on Friday evening, October 10th at Agnes Katz Plaza in partnership with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's International Festival of Firsts and then premiere in Oakland on October 15th in tandem with the debut of Squonk Opera's new work, Astorama, at a free outdoor performance in Schenley Plaza.

"Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights once again puts this region on the international map," said Marguerite Jarrett Marks, director of the Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights. "Fittingly, the Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights is part of a significant sustainable, cultural collaboration that contributes millions to the local economy," Marks continued.

Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights will kick-off with an official "Flip the Switch" ceremony featuring performances by local Pittsburgh musicians to be held on Friday evening, October 10th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Agnes Katz Plaza, with lighting unveiled at approximately 8:45 PM.

Lighting will feature designs created by French, German and local artists. Executive Director of ARTLUMIERE and French lighting producer Lucette de Rugy, working with French and German designers Corentine Buron and Casa Magica, is the creative force behind the illuminations for Katz Plaza and the Cathedral of Learning. As de Rugy explains, her inspiration for the illumination project came from "the incredibly rich architecture of Pittsburgh, which reflects so much its 250 year history, its heritage as well as its future."

Expanding the festival to Oakland at the Cathedral of Learning directly links to the spirit and history of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh 250 celebration. The Cathedral of Learning, built in 1924, the first significant philanthropic gift to the region from Andrew W. Mellon, was created by dedicated Pittsburghers as a symbol and tribute to all who have made Pittsburgh a shining beacon in education, business and culture. It is the second tallest educational building in the world.

New this year, 20 churches, synagogues and temples will also be lighted to accent their historical, architectural and spiritual influence in this region. Interfaith walks will expand the festival to many of Pittsburgh's diverse neighborhoods. In addition, performance stages adjacent to lighting installations at Agnes Katz Plaza and across from the Cathedral of Learning in Schenley Plaza will showcase local performing talent throughout October.

Another focal point of the Festival of Lights will be the return of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, November 3rd - November 9th. Participating restaurants will offer in addition to their regular menu, a three-course, prix-fixe dinner menu for $35.00 per person and many will also offer a three-course lunch menu for $25.00 per person. Pittsburgh Restaurant Week is produced in collaboration with VisitPittsburgh with media support from Pittsburgh Magazine. "A Little Light Fare", a special late night dining promotion to coincide with the "Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights", will be presented by dozens of regional restaurants to encourage participants to experience the lights and enjoy Pittsburgh's culinary offerings.

Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights is free to the public and is powered by Duquesne Light and is made possible through generous support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, The hillman Foundation and The Grable Foundation.

For the complete list of Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights locations, events and activities, please visit www.imaginepittsburgh.com

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