Dallas, Texas – Mayor Laura Miller, City Councilmember Veletta Lill, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau President/CEO Phillip Jones and Arts District Friends Executive Director Lee Papert announced today that TXU Energy is the presenting sponsor of CityArts Celebration in the Dallas Arts District, a free street festival to be held June 10-12.

“After a successful sponsorship last year, TXU Energy was asked and has agreed to a three-year commitment as presenting sponsor, which emphasizes the value of this free event to the entire community,” said Phillip Jones, Dallas CVB President/CEO. “This year, we have a larger ‘footprint’ that extends to Annette Strauss Artist Square showcasing more exhibits, children’s activities, artists, culinary demonstrations and entertainment. In addition, all museums in the district will have free admission on Saturday and Sunday.”

“CityArts Celebration is a tremendous example of the public and private sectors coming together to make Dallas and the downtown Arts District an exciting destination,” said Jim Burke, Senior Vice President, Consumer Markets, TXU Energy. “CityArts showcases Dallas at its very best and offers something for the entire family.”

CityArts Celebration event organizers include Dallas CityArts, Inc., the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Dallas – Office of Cultural Affairs and the Arts District Friends. The community partners are Texas! Music Center, The 500 Inc., the Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Meyerson Symphony Center, the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association and the University of Dallas. CityArts Celebration is also sponsored by DART - the official transportation provider, Ciroc Vodka, Tanqueray, WFAA, The Dallas Morning News, Blockbuster, the Westin City Center Dallas and the Downtown Business News. CityArts Celebration is sponsored in part by the Downtown Improvement District, Medical City Heart, Medical City Children’s, Foley's, Sharpie, SBC, Texas Commission on the Arts and Central Market. Landscaping is courtesy of Donal McKinney, the Green Sculptor.

The 2005, CityArts Celebration presented by TXU Energy kicks off on Friday, June 10, at 6 p.m. with entertainment, food and drink at Annette Strauss Artist Square. The Blockbuster Drive-In Theater will feature the original Batman movie that evening beginning at 9:30 p.m.

On Saturday, June 11 at 11 a.m., the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center and Crow Collection of Asian Art will “take it to the streets” with special performances and activities representing the distinctive character of each facility. Additionally, guests will enjoy free museum admission throughout all of the TXU Energy presents CityArts Celebration.

Performing artists from across Texas are scheduled to provide free entertainment on the Annette Strauss Stage, while Dallas restaurants and vendors will offer food and drink for purchase. Cultural groups will showcase dance, song, music, literary readings and theater while ethnic foods will be served by local cultural organizations.

This year’s CityArts Celebration presented by TXU Energy will feature more than 75 Texas visual artists who will display their works of art along Flora Street creating a pathway of art from Annette Strauss Artist Square to the Arts District Museums. Sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, mixed media, jewelry and photography will be among the items available for sale.

Dallas chefs will share their recipes at free cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Arts Tent located on Leonard Street. The festivities continue through June 12, with more street entertainment, free museum admission and local flavors from the Culinary Arts Tent.

For the first time this year, CityArts Celebration presented by TXU Energy featured a commemorative poster competition. Some of Dallas’ finest visual artists submitted original artwork to become the designated artist of the first ever CityArts Celebration commemorative poster. This year’s winning artist is Joey DeRuy, whose artwork was unveiled at the announcement.

For more information or a detailed event schedule visit www.dallascityarts.com