Selection begins for Art Procurement Program

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced that the selection process will begin in early November for the Art Procurement Program.

"Government is committed to our artists and their work," said Minister Bettney. "Newfoundland and Labrador has some very high calibre artists and the Art Procurement Program is an excellent opportunity for established, amateur and emerging artists to get their work seen in government buildings."

Artists must drop off their art work the week of October 28 to November 1 to their commercial art gallery, or if they are not represented by a gallery, to the nearest Arts and Culture Centre between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. In Corner Brook, art work can be dropped off at the Canada Games Centre, and in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the drop off site is the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation office. Artists who cannot submit their actual work may submit colour slides for the jury�s consideration. Only works which have been created within the past two years are eligible for the program.

An independent jury will visit all Arts and Culture Centres and commercial art galleries throughout the province from November 4 to November 12. An exhibit of the works purchased under the Art Procurement Program this year will be held at the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John�s in the new year before they are installed at public buildings throughout the province.

"Visual art is an essential element in our quality of life," said Minister Bettney. "This program helps make our public buildings more attractive to visitors and to employees and it helps retain our visual artists while promoting our rich artistic heritage. I encourage all artists to submit their work for the Art Procurement Program."

For further information please contact Patrick Donnelly, Art Procurement Officer, (709) 729-0040.

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2002 10 22                                        4:45 p.m.