Art21 Access ’09 is an international screening initiative that provides opportunities to increase knowledge of contemporary art, ignite dialogue, and inspire creative thinking through hundreds of public screenings and events in celebration of the premiere of the fifth season of the Peabody Award-winning television series, Art:21—Art in the Twenty-First Century.

Art21 Access ‘09 depends on people’s enthusiasm to make contemporary art accessible and relevant to their own community, so we invite you to organize your own preview event around the Art:21 series. Consider the Season 5 artists and themes and host an event at your local museum, library, university, community-based organization, art space, or even coffee shop. Whether you plan a conversation with local artists, a panel discussion, a community-based art project, or just a screening party, join Art21 Access ’09 to broaden and inspire a diverse exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Art 21 Access ’09 provides participating partners with resources, free of cost, to host their own events, allowing their audiences to explore the creative processes and ideas behind some of today’s most thought-provoking artists. All participants will receive:

• Art:21 Season 5 Preview DVD screener
• Screening Guide (PDF)
• Educators’ Guide (PDF)
• Postcards
• Posters
• Customizable press release
• Embeddable trailer of each Season 5 episode
• Press images
• Digital logos for web sites

Art21 Access ‘09 is organized in collaboration with Americans for the Arts as part of National Arts and Humanities Month. If you are interested in hosting an Art21 Access ‘09 event between September 28 and October 30, 2009, please click here to schedule. Season 5 of Art:21—Art in the Twenty-First Century will premiere on PBS during the month of October. Check your local listings.