Featured App of the Week: NYC-ARTS

There are so many apps out there that sometimes it can be a little difficult to decide which to download, and whether an app is worth the money. Every week, we’ll be spotlighting an app that we find particularly interesting or helpful and giving you the rundown on what it does and why we like it. Do your friends and family often visit the city? Maybe you just want to stay on top of the NYC arts scene. NYC –Arts is a great app for planning ahead. Every time you open NYC –Arts it updates its events, venues and maps. The app is great for organizing a stay-cation or just keeping an eye on the city’s cultural happenings.

The home screen on the free app shows you its continually updated picks for the week, which is certainly helpful. Our favorite feature is the calendar on the bottom toolbar, which pulls up what is essentially an interactive iPhone calendar. Click the event and the time, place and a short description show up. Each event has a symbol to demarcate its category.  To decode the symbols, click Venues and the list of the categories readsDance, Film, Galleries, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Theater and Member Discounts. This menu also allows you to search for popular venues by type of event usually held there.
If that weren’t enough, you can bookmark your favorites and check the map for a convenient way of navigating between events and venues. Created by the Alliance for the Arts, this app is perfect for both the seasoned New Yorker and the casual tourist. Its simple, accessible design makes for a pleasant companion when you are exploring the NYC arts scene. Check it out!
For more information about NYC-ARTs, visit their website. The app is the winner of 2012 About.com Manhattan Readers’ Choice Awards’ Best New York City App.