For Immediate Release

Contact:
Rebekah Haynes
KGBTexas Public Relations/Advertising
(210) 826-8899
bekahh@kgbtexas.com

Addkison named Arts & Architecture Project Manager

(July 1, 2008) SAN ANTONIO – Accelerating progress on the arts and architecture projects that the San Antonio River Foundation has made possible has prompted the organization to create a new position on its staff to oversee those activities.

“The River Improvements Project is well underway, and having someone with passion, talent and experience to help manage the execution of enhancements will be a tremendous help to the Foundation,” said Kim Abernethy, incoming executive director of the San Antonio River Foundation.

Mike Addkison of San Antonio will be the River Foundation’s new art and architecture (A&A) project manager.  The River Foundation is commissioning the creation of art and amenities for the San Antonio River Improvements Project (SARIP). As the new A&A project manager, Addkison will be working with selected artists, architects, and designers to coordinate each project from proposal through to installation. With experience as an architectural designer and a consultant at Artpace San Antonio, overseeing the public art projects will be an enjoyable and fitting position for Addkison. His background in architecture, contemporary art and sustainable design is a perfect compliment to the tasks required of the new position.

“The importance of the San Antonio River, both in terms of beauty and sustainability, has now been put center stage, and I look forward to working with all of the talented people involved in this project,” Addkison said. “Together, we are going to create an amazing 15-mile linear park that will increase the quality of life for the people of San Antonio and its visitors for many years to come.”

About the San Antonio River Foundation:  The San Antonio River Foundation is raising private money to provide the San Antonio River Improvements Project (SARIP) with the unique cultural and aesthetic enhancements that will make it truly first rate. The River Foundation has set a goal of raising $50 million to be utilized over the course of the project. While the city, county, San Antonio River Authority and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will fund the basic infrastructure improvements to the river, the Foundation will fund the amenities such as public art, pocket parks, historic elements, gardens and enhanced landscaping. These privately-funded additions are what will complete this 15-mile linear park and make it a truly exceptional community gem unlike any other city park in the nation.  www.sariverfoundation.org.

About the San Antonio River Improvements Project:  The San Antonio River Improvements Project is an extraordinary public/private partnership that broke ground in 2007 and is scheduled to be completed in 2012. It will create a 15-mile linear park along the banks of the San Antonio River, stretching from the river’s headwaters near Brackenridge Park all the way to historic Mission Espada on the City’s south side.

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