Fine arts and culture strategy key feature in curriculum

Education Minister Tom Hedderson says Budget 2005 reflects a commitment to instill strong cultural experiences in our education system. Government will provide approximately $9 million over the next three years to implement Cultural Connections, a comprehensive, sustainable fine arts and culture strategy in our schools.

Funding over the three-year period for the new arts and culture strategy includes $3.5 million for an additional 23 teaching units to support specialized music programs (See Backgrounder - Government invests $4.5 million to redeploy teachers); $1.7 million for new curriculum materials, more local resources in our schools (including resources for and about aboriginal students), and opportunities for students to avail of our culture through new technologies; and $3.6 million in new funding for enrichment opportunities, including an Arts in Schools Program, the purchase of musical equipment, support for arts festivals, promotion of student art and performance, and other activities. Additional funding will also be provided for teacher professional development initiatives.

Minister Hedderson said, �Through the Cultural Connections initiative, students will develop a critical awareness of the role of the arts in our heritage. They will also come to respect the contributions of individuals and cultural groups to the arts, and will recognize the value of the arts as a record of our human experience. Our students� emerging sense of place will help build the confidence to carry the province proudly through the next generations.�

Beyond the social and cultural benefits of the initiatives, the economic benefits particularly for artists and those engaged in tourism, will also be significant. This initiative will encourage our young people to consider careers and entrepreneurial opportunities in the cultural industries and foster the retention of our unique identity as a people.

The Cultural Connections initiative is consistent with the Blueprint for the Future which states, �In its first mandate, government will increase the presence of cultural content in the school curriculum and foster links between artists and students in the school environment.�

Media contact: Nora Daly, Communications, (709) 729-1906, 728-2819

2005 03 21                        2:30 p.m.