Hamptons Arts Network Announces The Formation And Inaugural THAW FEST

The newly formed Hamptons Arts Network (HAN) announces THAW FEST, a Hamptons-wide, weekend festival to celebrate spring, and promote the broadly diverse range of cultural programs and institutions that make the South Fork of Long Island unique. Hamptons Arts Network (HAN) is a newly formed 19-member consortium of not-for-profit organizations working together to create a unified arts community in the Hamptons. The goal is to promote collaboration, partnerships, and shared programming among its members, and to advocate for the arts in the areas of economic development, tourism, and education. HAN will create events to shine a light on the year-round cultural mecca located on Long Island's East End.

New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele stated, "The East End is blessed with a wide range of cultural institutions and resources that contribute substantially to the diverse and rich quality of life that we enjoy. Not only do the arts bring fullness to our daily lives, they are also a catalyst for our regional economy. Our cultural institutions foster tourism and create jobs across the economic spectrum. The decision of 19 local arts organizations to join together to create a unified arts community will only serve to strengthen their important role in our community and will spur economic activity for our local businesses year-round. I look forward to THAW FEST in March, as the East End takes the next step forward in celebrating our cultural heritage."

THAW FEST (The Hamptons Arts Weekend Festival), will launch three days of exhibitions, theater performances, film, music, garden tours, workshops, community engagement and family-focused events.

Reservations and ticket information for all events is located on individual member websites.

Member organizations include:
· Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts
· Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival
· Dia: Dan Flavin Art Institute
· East Hampton Historical Society
· Eastville Community Historical Society
· Guild Hall
· Hamptons International Film Festival
· Hamptons Take 2 Documentary Film Festival
· LongHouse Reserve
· Madoo Conservancy
· Parrish Art Museum
· Pollock-Krasner House & Study Center
· Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center & Museum
· Southampton African American Museum
· Southampton Arts Center
· Southampton Cultural Center
· Southampton Historical Museum
· The Watermill Center
· Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center

Hamptons Arts Network is a consortium of not-for-profit organizations working together to create a unified arts community of the Hamptons. Our goal is to promote collaboration, partnerships, and shared programming among its members. As well, we advocate for the arts in the area of economic development, tourism, and education. Visit HamptonsArtsNetwork.org for more information.