PHILADELPHIA, PA. April 28, 2002 - MYX: Multicultural Youth eXchange, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization, announces the debut of the MYX Gallery in historic Old City on Thursday, May 2. A private opening reception will take place from 6 - 8 PM, with a public opening on First Friday, the following evening.

Located at 110 Church Street, the MYX Gallery is a multimedia space exploring themes in global cultures, diversity and tolerance through the eyes of youth artists. The goal of the MYX Gallery is to strengthen the ability of young people to take a leadership role in their community and beyond by using the power of art to communicate.

"We are excited about the gallery's role in increasing the general understanding of multicultural issues and expressing the views of young people around the world," said MYX director and co-founder, Josette Bonafino. "We believe this gallery is the only one in our area dedicated exclusively to multiculturalism and tolerance in youth art."

The first show entitled "Philadelphia Fusion: Celebrating Youth Art from Philadelphia's Cultural Centers" runs from May 3 - July 19 and will feature student work loaned by the Village of Arts and Humanities, Tallerpuertoriqueño, Philadelphia Mural Arts and the Asian Arts Initiative.

During its first year, the MYX Gallery will offer four youth art shows - each lasting 11 weeks. Other shows scheduled for 2002 and 2003 include "The Youth Artist Exchange in Iceland" and "Interpreting Heritage: the Global Cultures of America."

In addition to showcasing youth art, the MYX Gallery will also function as a meeting space for teachers and community leaders wishing to conduct multicultural workshops, screenings and lectures for local and visiting students.

"Technology will play an increasing role in enhancing the exhibits and programs within the gallery," says Ian Cross, MYX co-founder and CEO of I-SITE. "Kids have adopted the web and other technologies as a means of gathering information about the world around them. The MYX Gallery will use technology as a basis for helping them interpret that information and communicate across boundaries."

The MYX Gallery is open Wednesday - Friday, 12 PM - 5 PM, on First Fridays and by appointment.

The first show is sponsored by I-SITE, a leading provider of strategic interactive solutions for a number of the world's leading healthcare and pharmaceutical companies.

ABOUT MYX
MYX: Multicultural Youth exchange [www.myxworld.org] is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to facilitating cross-cultural communication among youth around the world through technology and the arts.

MYX was formed in direct response to the tragedies of September 11, 2001 in order to promote global tolerance.