Mixing Bytes And The Bossa Nova: The Broward Center for the Performing Arts Adds Portuguese Translat

August 25, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2004
Contact: Linda Birdsey 954/468-2682
or
Maria Pierson/Savannah Whaley
Pierson Grant Public Relations
954/776-1999 ext. 225

www.browardcenter.org now in English, Spanish and Portuguese

FORT LAUDERDALE – Following the successful introduction of a Spanish-language translation link to its Web site eight months ago, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts has now added a Portuguese translation to www.browardcenter.org.

"Earlier this month, Newsweek's cover story, Samba Chic, covered the new love affair the world is having with Brazilian culture," said Broward Center President and CEO Mark Nerenhausen, "With so many Brazilians living in, and visiting, South Florida our region is one of the world's hottest spots for cross-cultural exchange. To be able to read our website in the Portuguese language is useful for both our Brazilian residents and our many visitors from Brazil."

The Consulate General of Brazil in Miami estimates that more than 200,000 Brazilians live in the South Florida region. This year the Broward Center became the first organization to win three Brazilian International Press Awards in the same year as it was recognized for promoting a positive image of Brazil both here and abroad. Recognized with a single award in each of the past two years, the Broward Center made history with a triple win for Promotion of Brazilian Culture in the U.S.A., as well as for Best Cultural Event for Brazil Night IV featuring Jorge Ben Jor and Best Popular Brazilian Music Concert starring Daniela Mercury.

The Internet debut comes as South Florida gears up for a concert on Saturday, September 25 with Rita Lee in Brazil Night V, an annual event presented by the Broward Center in cooperation with South Florida’s Brazilian community. TAM Brazilian Airlines presents Lee, who was a member of the seminal rock band Os Mutantes before launching an extremely successful solo career that is still going strong after more than 30 years.

The Broward Center's Web site can be viewed in Portuguese by clicking the button labeled "Em Português" on the home page. With just one mouse-click, the online customer can view the entire site in Portuguese, with all the same artwork, banners, and information that is on the original English site. In addition to information on Broward Center events and programming, www.browardcenter.org offers live ticketing which allows patrons to see all available ticket options and order exact seating.

Both the Spanish and Portuguese translations were made possible through a partnership with the Coconut Creek-based technology company MotionPoint. The company converts and uploads the site content using its expert professional translators and its proprietary TransMotion™ technology. MotionPoint manages the Spanish and Portuguese versions via its TransMotion™ tools and server software.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District at 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Marriott, Pepsi, Platinum Limousine and Spirit Airlines are proud supporters of the Broward Center. All dates, programs and artists are subject to change.