Minister announces acquisitions for 2005-06 Art Procurement Program

Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced the art works purchased by government under the 2005-06 Art Procurement Program.

A total of 77 original works were purchased through the program including clay pieces, mixed-media works, lithographs, oil, acrylic, watercolors, tapestries, wood block carvings, sculptures, etchings and textiles. The works will be displayed in provincial public buildings throughout the province in the near future.

"Through this exciting initiative, we enrich our public spaces while drawing attention to our artists and their accomplishments," said Minister Hedderson. "These works are marvelous examples of the world-class talent we have in our province."

The Art Procurement Program, established in 1982, recognizes and promotes the works of the province�s visual artists by exhibiting original art works in public buildings. This program not only offers visual artists � amateur, emerging and established � a chance to showcase their work to a wide public but it increases the general awareness of the importance of arts and culture in our daily lives.

Last year, government announced a $75,000 budget for the program. The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery manages the submissions and adjudication process, as well as ongoing support and care for the acquisitions. The art procurement jury is made up of five regional representatives from the arts community.

Dr. Priscilla Renouf, chair of the Board of Directors of The Rooms, thanked the artists who submitted works for consideration. "I was impressed by the high quality and broad range of media and subject matter, clearly reflecting a thriving visual arts practice in this province," she said.

Media contact:

Susanne Hiller, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928, 728-7762

Deanne Hayward, The Rooms, (709) 757-8070, 691-5681

2006 03 03                                     11:05 a.m.