Detroit Festival of the Arts co-chairs Peter D. Cummings and Denise Ilitch announced that Hudson's would be the Presenting Sponsor for the 1999 event scheduled for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 17-19, in the University Cultural Center. Cummings, who chaired the festival last year as well, said, "Hudson's strengthens the arts celebration with dollars and integrity. We are excited that Hudson's has continued to support the University Cultural Center by coming on board as Presenting Sponsor. This is the family oriented, multicultural arts festival that promotes the growth of Detroit and the arts community, free of charge." Scott Ferguson, Hudson's regional director, explains Hudson's new Project Imagine initiative, which allows for the sponsorship. "It encompasses community giving and sponsorship of programs with a special focus on arts and culture," he says. "Our goal is to partner with prestigious arts and cultural institutions to highlight special exhibits, performances and events occurring within the community. We are delighted to sponsor this wonderful event as one of the first Project Imagine partnerships and hope the community takes the opportunity to enjoy the celebration," he says. The 13th annual festival will feature more than 500 visual and performing artists including international stage and European street theatre. Also included will be a children's festival, festival of banners, literary arts festival, sand sculpture, live entertainment and an international food zone. "The Detroit Festival of the Arts offers an exceptional array of both visual and performance art that cannot be found anywhere else in Michigan," says Ilitch. "The innovative children's festival is a great way for families to enjoy the event. This unique festival is an important part of the wonderful and exciting things happening in the city of Detroit," she adds. In addition to sponsoring the festival itself, Hudson's will sponsor the festival's preview gala, Art a la Carte, which will be held in the Fox Atrium and Theatre on Thursday evening, Sept. 16. Guests will be invited to enjoy fine cuisine and art and view the exquisite window created for the space by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The festival, produced by the University Cultural Center and Wayne State, attracts about 300,000 people annually. More than $650,000 in corporate support has been raised for this year's event. Festival planners are working on other activities. They will sponsor the fourth annual banner competition for awards and display in the aisle of flying banners. Awards will be presented to winning individuals or groups in the professional, general, and youth categories. All banners must be 72 inches by30 inches in size and visible from both sides. Deadline for entry forms is Friday, Aug. 27. Also, artists between the ages of 8 and 18, who live or have relatives living in metropolitan Detroit, may sell their artwork in the Youth Artists' Market Sept. 18 and 19. Deadline for entry forms is Friday, August 20. Entry forms must be submitted to the UCCA office, 4735 Cass, Detroit, MI48202. For more information and to obtain entry forms call (313) 577-5088.