PHILADELPHIA, PA. August 20, 2003 - MYX: Multicultural Youth eXchange, a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization that promotes tolerance among youth, both locally and around the world, announced its plans to host a live mural painting event for Philadelphia-area youth between September 5 and 13 in the MYX Gallery in Old City.

Entitled "Y PHILLY: An Identity Mural by Philadelphia's Youth Generation," this event will offer local residents of ages nine to 24 - Philadelphia's Generation Y - the opportunity to capture the spirit of their city and their youth culture in an original work of art. No particular artistic skills are required, and art materials will be provided at the gallery.

The completed mural will remain on display at the MYX Gallery through November 22 and will then be presented as a gift to the people of Incheon, Korea - one of Philadelphia's Sister Cities - next summer. Pending approval, the Y PHILLY Mural will hang at the Philadelphia International Airport prior to being sent to Korea.

The event is being organized in conjunction with the Sister Cities Program of Philadelphia, which is administered by the International Visitors Council of Philadelphia, a non-profit, international relations and business organization for the Philadelphia region. IVC President Nancy Gilboy said, "Our mission is to promote mutual understanding among nations with the ultimate goal of preventing war. This mural will further the connection between Incheon and Philadelphia by putting a personal face on our young people."

The commencement of the Y PHILLY Mural will coincide with MYX's first annual fundraiser taking place between 5 and 9 PM on First Friday, September 5. Phlex of the Philadelphia Phantoms will be on hand to kick off the mural painting at 6 PM. An attendance of more than 400 Greater Philadelphia high school and college students, educators, IVC members, MYX supporters and Philadelphia Fringe Festival theatergoers is expected.

"I am delighted that this mural will be offered as a gift of friendship to the people of Incheon," says MYX co-founder and director, Josette Bonafino. "But more importantly, I am excited that American kids have will have the chance to express themselves directly to their foreign counterparts in Korea. It's an effective way to bridge cultural gaps," she added. This MYX fundraiser will feature feel good food by CafŽ Rx, beverages by Elliott's Amazing Juices and Drinks, Pepsi Bottling Company and Yards Brewing Company. JCharvet will spin Soul and Latin Lounge and other multicultural youth performers, courtesy of S.A.G.E Promotions, will entertain the crowd. Participation in the mural painting is free of charge and unlimited food and beverage will be offered with a $10 donation from adults and a $5 donation from attendees under 21.

Proceeds raised during the fundraiser will go to support MYX's multicultural workshops, which are offered after school, free of charge, to Philadelphia-area students.

Members of Philadelphia's Generation Y can stop by and contribute to the mural on September 5, between 6-9 PM, September 6, between 3-7 PM, and September 7, between 12-3 PM. MYX will also arrange special mural painting sessions for school and youth groups between September 8-13.

Additional sponsors of Y PHILLY include the Philadelphia Women's Caucus for Art, Tattar-Richards-DBC Public Relations, I-SITE, Inc. and the Drexel Triangle.

ABOUT THE MULTICULTURAL YOUTH EXCHANGE
MYX: Multicultural Youth eXchange (www.myxworld.org) is a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization that facilitates cross-cultural communication among youth within the community and around the world to promote global tolerance. Since Spring 2002, MYX has taught diversity to young people through exciting quarterly youth art exhibits and art-based, multicultural workshops at the MYX Gallery. MYX was formed in direct response to the tragedies of September 11, 2001.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL VISITORS COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA
IVC (www.ivc.org) is an international relations and business organization that works in partnership with the U.S. State Department to make friends with the world's new leaders and develop relationships for Philadelphia-area businesses and cultural and educational institutions. IVC also administers Philadelphia's Sister Cities Program, which links the City with ten cities in nine countries. IVC is part of the national network of councils whose work of "citizen diplomacy" was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.