Minister reports on progress of Cultural Connections strategy

Education Minister Joan Burke provided an update today on the many exciting initiatives underway as part of Government�s Cultural Connections strategy. The strategy was announced last year providing $10 million over three years for the enhancement of arts programs and cultural content in schools.

"I am extremely excited about this initiative and proud of what has been accomplished in less than a year," said Minister Burke. "We are developing a sustained, cultural strategy which we hope will foster a real awareness among youth of this province�s arts and music and how each is intrinsically linked to our heritage."

Through Cultural Connections, government has allocated $800,000 in 2005-06 for 23 music teachers to enhance programming. By September 2006, $600,000 will be invested in a cost-shared program with the province�s schools for the purchase and repair of music equipment. In addition, new courses in social studies, music and theatre arts are being developed. Additional funding is also being provided for enrichment opportunities, such as the ArtsSmarts program and Learning Through the Arts. At the same time, the department is looking at ways to expand opportunities beyond existing programs, and is exploring the possibilities of new enrichment initiatives. Work is also progressing rapidly on a $75,000 initiative to bring the works of Newfoundland and Labrador writers, including books, sheet music and CDs, into school libraries.

According to Minister Burke, the Cultural Connections strategy is also focused on providing professional development to the province�s teachers to give them added insight and knowledge of our arts and music communities. "A critical component of the strategy is connecting teachers with artists, musicians and performers and offering real experiences that they can bring back to their students." The first Provincial Education Conference is scheduled for this April in St. John�s. Teachers from across the province will attend and subsequent conferences will be held in different areas of the province. Teachers will be able to connect with more than 40 of our most innovative artists and educators for a two-day, multiple-site conference at such venues as The Rooms and the L.S.P.U Hall.

"By working closely with the arts community, we are fostering a real connection between artists and students. With a strengthened focus on our arts and culture, students will get a better understanding of our unique culture, and an enhanced appreciation of our incredibly gifted artists and musicians," said the minister.

Cultural Connections is one of the fundamental building blocks of the Strategic Cultural Plan, which is in the final stages of preparation by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. The Strategic Cultural Plan will set provincial guidelines for cultural goals and for developing cultural strategies, initiatives and programs. The overall mission is to preserve, protect and strengthen the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Students, parents, the arts community and the public at large can access information about Cultural Connections by visiting the new Web link, recently launched by the Department of Education, at www.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/cc.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

2006 02 21                           11:20 a.m.