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Free Programs for Kids Inspired by Singer’s Latest Work Biophilia Uses Interactive App To Foster Learning Through Music

NEW YORK, NY – The New York Public Library and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan will announce today a partnership with Icelandic recording artist Björk to produce educational programming and a curriculum based on Biophilia, the musician’s latest work, which the New York Times described “among the most creative, innovative and important new projects in popular culture.” The NYPL and CMOM program is based on the innovative Biophilia iPad app designed by Björk and her team of leading developers, which iTunes named one of the top five music apps of 2011.

Working in cooperation with the Center for Arts Education, NYPL and CMOM will host a series of Biophilia–inspired programs. Programs at NYPL and its select branches are aimed at middle school children and begin in July with additional dates in September and October. CMOM will offer daily drop-in programming school groups, summer camps and families with children ages 3-11, beginning July 6^th and running through December 30^th

“I’m so honored that The New York Public Library and Children’s Museum of Manhattan are up for this,” said Björk, a longtime advocate for education through the arts. “I’ve spent 4 years on Biophilia and these are dream homes for the project.”

Biophilia uses the track listing from Björk’s 2011 album of the same name to create 10 “in-app experiences” that explore the relationships between music and natural phenomena, teaching kids about science and music in an innovative way. The app includes an interactive game, musical animation for each song, an animated score, lyrics, and text that help students to learn about different musical features while exploring the ideas behind each song. Fast Company magazine included Björk in their list of “The 100 Most Creative People in Business” and the Webby Awards named her “Artist of the Year” for her work integrating science, art and technology.

“The world of education is changing, and I am so proud that the Library is involved in providing programming and supporting the tools that will allow young people – our future – to continue to learn in new, interactive, and exciting ways,” said NYPL President Anthony W. Marx. “The Biophilia app makes knowledge more accessible to children, and inspires them to learn more – both key missions of the Library, as well.”

“Biophilia is at the forefront in the development of arts-based education and the development of a child’s creative thinking,” said Andrew Ackerman, Executive Director of CMOM. “Its portability allows for learning to take place anywhere – at school, the library and in a family setting at home. By leveraging the extensive network of the Center for Arts Education in combination with the NYPL, we will be able to reach thousands of children and teachers over the next six months.”

“Biophilia creates new and exciting opportunities for arts integration adding depth and creativity to music and science studies,” added Eric Pryor, Executive Director of The Center for Arts Education.

For a complete list of NYPL’s Biophilia programming, please visit: nypl.org/teens

For a complete list of CMOM’s Biophilia programing, please visit: http://www.cmom.org/visit/calendar

CMOM thanks The Creators Project – an organization devoted to creativity, culture and technology – for their generous donation of over a dozen iPads to the Museum for the Biophilia workshops.

To donate first and second generation iPads, please contact: Tom Quaranta at [email protected] or 212-721-1223 x247.

New York Public Library
The New York Public Library was created in 1895 with the consolidation of the private libraries of John Jacob Astor and James Lenox with the Samuel Jones Tilden Trust. The Library provides free and open access to its physical and electronic collections and information, as well as to its services. Its renowned research collections are located in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street; The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center; the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem; and the Science, Industry and Business Library at 34th Street and Madison Avenue. Eighty-seven branch libraries provide access to circulating collections and a wide range of other services in neighborhoods throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Research and circulating collections combined total more than 50 million items. In addition, each year the Library presents thousands of exhibitions and public programs, which include classes in technology, literacy, and English for speakers of other languages. All in all The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.

Contact: Angela Montefinise | 212.592.7506 | [email protected]

About Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Founded in 1973, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is New York City’s leading cultural institution dedicated solely to children and families. CMOM inspires children and their families to learn about themselves and a culturally diverse world through unique interactive exhibitions. CMOM presents a full range of activities, exhibits and special performances that stimulate children of all ages. Through multidimensional programs that reach deep into the community, the Museum serves New Yorkers from all backgrounds.

Contact: Todd McGovern | 212.721.1223 | [email protected]

About The Center for Arts Education
The Center for Arts Education (CAE) is dedicated to ensuring that all New York City public school students have quality arts and creative learning as an essential part of their K-12 education. CAE was created in 1996 in response to the Annenberg Challenge to Education reform, and today is the only arts education organization in New York providing a combination of school-based residences in four art forms, professional development, and active public engagement and advocacy efforts.