NOTE TO EDITORS: Minister to participate in NLAC news conference

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley will join with John Doyle, chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC), at a news conference tomorrow (Wednesday, April 6) where the NLAC will outline plans for the budget increase provided by government in Budget 2005. During the news conference, the NLAC will also name the short list of nominees for the 2005 Arts Awards and unveil plans for the NLAC 25th anniversary. The news conference will take place 11 a.m. at the LSPU Hall.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council is a not-for-profit organization created in 1980 through provincial legislation called the Arts Council Act. Its mandate is to foster and promote the creation and production of works in the arts in the province, the study and enjoyment of these works, and to encourage public awareness of arts activities. Government provided $160,000 in Budget 2005 for the NLAC, bringing the total budget to $900,000. Of the total amount, $100,300 was added to the program budget, while $60,000 will be provided this fiscal year to support the NLAC�s 25th anniversary.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928, 685-1741

2005 04 05                         12:45 p.m.