Los Angeles (April 5, 2002) - Coloring isn't just child's play. It's an outlet for creativity and self-expression. In fact, arts education is just as critical to a child's learning as subjects like math and science. The Barbie(R) Brand understands the important role that arts education plays in a child's development and is debuting a worldwide cause-related program called "Barbie Cares Supporting Children in the Arts(TM)" dedicated to supporting arts education for children. This program, made possible by a $2 million donation to the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), will include a celebrity public service announcement (PSA) campaign, an Arts Teacher of the Year Search, and the creation of innovative, relevant products that expose girls to the wonderful world of arts education and creative exploration.
"As school budgets are reduced to the bare minimum, important programs like arts education suffer," said Adrienne Fontanella, president Mattel Girls Division. "The Barbie Brand is concerned and we are committed to making a difference. We are excited about the debut of Barbie Cares Supporting Children in the Arts, which, in collaboration with EIF, will help raise awareness and funds for what the Barbie Brand views as a vital cause."
The Entertainment Industry Foundation is a well-renowned non-profit organization that combines the power of the entertainment industry with corporate support to bring attention to important issues like arts education. Funds provided by Barbie Cares Supporting Children in the Arts will support EIF's National Arts Education Initiative and will be distributed to leading arts education programs throughout the country, including: Arts Education Partnership, California State Summer School for the Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art, New York City Ballet, P.S. Arts, Shakespeare Festival/L.A. and other centers of excellence, as well as numerous school-based programs.
"Art Inspires" PSA Campaign with Kelly Preston
The Barbie Brand and EIF will launch a national public service campaign, titled "Art Inspires," which speaks to parents and educators about the benefits of arts education and what they can do to become involved in making arts education more readily available for kids. Kelly Preston is the first of several celebrities to appear in the EIF/Barbie Cares Supporting Children in the Arts print PSAs, shown in People Magazine and other national publications starting in May.
Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year Search(SM)
The Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year Search(SM) is a nationwide program recognizing outstanding arts teachers, whose talent and creativity have a lasting impact on children. During the month of April, elementary school students, ages six to 12, can nominate their favorite arts teachers to be honored and awarded grants for their school's arts curriculum.
- Twenty arts teachers will be selected as regional finalists for their personal commitment to arts education. Each regional finalist's arts program will be recognized with a $5,000 grant from Barbie Cares Supporting Children in the Arts and art supplies donated by Rose Art.
- Students who nominate the 20 regional finalists will receive a $100 Mattel Toy prize package.
- One teacher will be announced as the National Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year in the Fall and will receive an additional $10,000 grant for his/her arts program.
For more information on Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year Search, log onto Barbie's website at www.barbie.com/arts or call 1.866.91.4ARTS.
"Together, with support from the entertainment industry and the Barbie Brand, we hope to make the arts more accessible to children in schools and communities throughout the nation," said Entertainment Industry Foundation President & CEO, Lisa Paulsen. "The Barbie Brand's support of the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Arts Education Initiative is a wonderful example of corporate leadership."
Art Teacher(TM) Barbie(R) and Kelly(R) Dolls
To incorporate the message in a girl's playtime, Barbie Brand will create and produce relevant products that introduce arts education and inspire creativity. This May, the Barbie Brand launches Art Teacher(TM) Barbie(R) and Kelly(R) dolls, the second in the inspirational career series of "I Can Be" dolls. Worldwide, products that support Barbie Cares Supporting Children in the Arts, will be clearly designated with an official seal.
ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
Celebrating 60 years of giving, the Entertainment Industry Foundation represents the collective philanthropy of the entertainment industry. EIF has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars - and provided countless hours - to support charitable initiatives that address some of the most critical issues facing our society.
ABOUT MATTEL'S GIRLS DIVISION
With more than four decades as the leader in girls' toys with brands including Barbie, American Girl, and Polly Pocket, Mattel knows what girls want. It all started in 1959 with the Barbie doll's creation. Since then, Barbie has become firmly established as the world's most popular fashion doll and strongest girls' lifestyle brand. This expertise and knowledge has led to the creation of numerous best-selling girls' brands including the most recent additions Diva Starz and What's Her Face. A natural extension of the brands to the online world, Mattel Girls Interactive Group provides girls of the 21st century a new way to interact with their favorite playmates through brand-specific Web sites - including Barbie.com, KellyClub.com, DivaStarz.com, WhatsHerFace.com, PollyPocket.com, and BarbieCollectibles.com - and licensed Mattel-branded interactive software and video game titles. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Mattel (Mattel.com) has offices and facilities in 36 countries and markets its products in more than 150 nations throughout the world.
Mattel, Barbie, American Girl, Diva Starz and associated trademarks are U.S. trademarks of Mattel, Inc. (C)2002 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Polly Pocket! under license from Origin Products, Ltd. and Bluebird Toys (UK) Ltd.
(C)2002 Origin Products Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
