USUAF Council Meeting Americans for the Arts 2008 Winter Meetings February 14-16, 2008 El Paso, TX

Americans for the Arts Winter Meetings - United States Urban Arts Federation -
Emerging Leaders Council - Public Art Network Council

United States Urban Arts Federation
The USUAF executive committee has planned a full agenda including city reports; tours of arts galleries and facilities in El Paso, Juarez, and Mesilla, NM; and a focus on the Creative Cities Leadership Project in El Paso; as well as other models of arts agency engagement in creative economy initiatives. A new executive committee will be elected and the first Ray Hanley Innovation Award will be presented.

Agenda

Hotel Information

Camino Real Hotel
101 S. El Paso St.
El Paso, TX 79901
T 915.534.3000

Room Rates at the Camino Real Hotel
$119.00 single/double

Americans for the Arts encourages you to confirm your hotel accommodations by Tuesday, January 22, 2008 to guarantee the discounted rate. You must mention Americans for the Arts to qualify for the group rate.

You can reserve your room by calling 1.800.769.4300.

All rooms are subject to 15 percent tax. Camino Real Hotel Reservation Policy: Reservations must be canceled 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid additional charges.

Air and Ground Transportation

Air
We have made it easier for you to come to the 2008 Winter Meetings by partnering with Diplomat Travel Services:

• Call Diplomat Travel Services, our preferred travel agency, at 1.800.476.2333 or 703.318.9400
• Be sure to identify yourself as an Americans for the Arts 2008 Winter Meetings attendee, and have your preferred arrival, departure, and payment information ready.
• You can e-mail the same information to katies@diplomattravel.com

Ground
The closest airport is El Paso International

• The airport is approximately $10–$15 minutes driving to the Camino Real Hotel
• Taxis are approximately $15–$20 each way
• There is a complimentary shuttle that runs from the airport to the Camino Real. Call the hotel at 915.534.3000 as soon as you land and the concierge will send a shuttle to baggage claim
• Parking is $8.00 per day for valet and $5.00 per day for self park
• Car rentals: to take advantage of special rates, call Diplomat Travel Services at 1.800.476.2333 or 703.318.9400

Registration

1. Register Online
   
2. Register by mail
   Americans for the Arts
   Attn: Americans for the Arts Winter Meetings
   1000 Vermont Avenue, NW
   6th Floor
   Washington, DC 20005
   Download our printable PDF form (110KB)
   
3. Register by fax
   F: 202-371-0424
   Download our printable PDF form (110KB)

Mesilla ("Little Tableland") is the best-known and most visited historical community in Southern New Mexico. Since its beginning, around 1848, Mesilla has had a major influence on the economic, cultural, historical, and political life of the Mesilla Valley. From the Gadsden Purchase, to the Civil War, to the Butterfield Stage Coach Trail, to the trial of Billy the Kid, to being a lively social center in the 1880s—Mesilla has been a prominent part of the rich history of the Southwest.
Today, many of Mesilla's population of nearly 2,200 residents are direct descendents of Mesilla's early settlers. As such, they have retained many of the "hearty folk" qualities of the original founders. Mesilla has a rich and diverse heritage with the integration of Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American cultures. Perhaps the greatest import of the past history is the physical character of the community itself. The traditional adobe structures and architectural features modified through time because of style and technology still remain as a reminder of the long and significant history of the town. 
Please visit for more information.

The Border Arts Residency is a nonprofit organization that fosters the creation and proliferation of vibrant new contemporary art throughout the tri-state border region in and near El Paso, TX.  Located in La Union, NM, the BAR funs an artists-in-residence program. The BAR annually awards a 10-month residency to one artist. The artist is provided a live/work space and a monthly stipend. BAR artists have come from places as diverse as Japan, Mexico, New York City, and El Paso, TX. Please visit for the website for more information.

Chope’s is a southern New Mexico institution located in the Chili Valley in La Mesa, NM. The family owned restaurant has been in this location since the 1930s and are known for their Chili Rellenos and Red Chili Enchiladas!