PITTSBURGH - Alcoa Foundation announced today that it has invested $100,000 in grants to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre as it prepares for its New York City debut at The Joyce Theater from March 29 through April 3, 2005.

"Performing in New York City is essential to sustaining Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's reputation nationally," said Mary Ellen Miller, director of development at PBT. "We are thankful for the generous support from Alcoa Foundation, which will help fund the transportation and other costs of the trip to Manhattan."

While in New York City, the PBT will perform works from its programs featuring the music of Sting and Bruce Springsteen in addition to a work set to Beethoven's 7th Symphony. The program will be representative of PBT's singular style that reaches out to multiple generations by combining classical dance with familiar themes and music.

"Funding this program was a natural for Alcoa Foundation as it connects two worldwide Alcoa locations together," said Kathleen W. Buechel, president and treasurer of Alcoa Foundation. "Part of our mission involves seeking opportunities to invest in the quality of life at Alcoa locations worldwide. With Alcoa offices located in Pittsburgh and New York City, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre provided us with the opportunity to double our investment. Our friends in New York City will see the tremendous talent that exists in Pittsburgh, while Pittsburgh will benefit from having a ballet company that can reinforce its artistic reputation by performing in Manhattan."

About Alcoa Foundation

Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in the countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation's grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. Alcoa Foundation manages Alcoa's ACTION and Bravo! programs which recognize the volunteer efforts of employees with grants to the organizations they serve. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit www.alcoa.com, under Community.

About Alcoa

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 131,000 employees in 43 countries and has been a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average for 45 years and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2001. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.

Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

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