05/ 15/ 02 Summer 2002, Cows Graze in Ventspils, Latvia

Riga, Latvia
May 15, 2002

Today we will see the opening of the world famous public art and philanthropic project, CowParade Ventspils 2002 (Govju par de Ventspils 2002).

This summer CowParade will grace and color the streets, parks, squares and opern spaces of Ventspils, the city will join New York, Chicago, Sydney, London and other major global cities that played host to the CowParade.

"We can be proud of the fact that Ventspils is the first city in all of Eastern Europe to host the CowParade. Ventspils is one of the most vibrant cities in Latvia and one that participates in various significant international projects. By realizing this project, we wish to demonstrate Ventspils growth during the last year and to bring joy to the life not only of the residents of the city, but also to that of its visitors and guests. For the conclusion of the CowParade we are planning to organize a cow auction and to donate the proceeds of the auction to charity," explains Aivars Lembergs, Venstpils City Mayor.

This summer, a lengthy "Mooo!" will invite you to Ventspils where wonderful and multi-colored artworks in the shape of life-sized glass fiber cows will be seen grazing in many places throughout the city - all of them participants in the world's largest public art exhibition. The cows will be brought to life and colored not only by respected artists and famous musicians known throughout Latvia and by guest artists from Lithuania, Estonia and Denmark, but also by kids, businessmen and sports stars resident in Ventspils and last but not least, Ventspils City Mayor, Aivars Lembergs.

More detailed information about the event schedule will be presented on May 15th, 2002 at the CowParade Ventspils, 2002 press launch that will take place at the Arsenals' Exhibition Hall, which is located at Torna Str. 1. Among the dignitaries participating in the presentation ceremony will be Aivars Lembergs, Mayor of Ventspils, Chalres Langhorn, President of CowParade Europe as well as artists participating in the project and other well-known celebrities.

Additional information:
Phone: + 371 7505290 or + 371 7224490

Visit the CowParade Ventspils Web site to see the cows and for more information.

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