Selection begins for Art Procurement Program

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced that the call for submissions for the Art Procurement Program will take place the week of September 29.

"Visual art is an essential element to our quality of life,"said Minister Bettney. "Our province boasts of some very high calibre artists many of whom are nationally and internationally renowned. Through the Art Procurement Program, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador shows its support to not only our established artists but also our amateur and emerging artists."

Artists can drop off their art work at their commercial gallery representative. If they are not represented by a gallery, drop offs may be made at the nearest Arts and Culture Centre between September 29 and October 3 from 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 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, due to size or location, 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 and artists have to have been a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one year. An independent jury will visit Arts and Culture Centres and commercial art galleries throughout the province from October 6 to October 15.

"I encourage all artists throughout the province to submit their work for the Art Procurement Program," said Minister Bettney. "This program makes our public buildings more attractive to visitors and to employees while at the same time recognizing our visual artists and promoting our rich artistic heritage."

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

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

2003 09 10                                        10:00 a.m.