The Arts and Artists Benefit From Government Investment

The local arts community has availed of funding through government�s Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) which is designed to stimulate economic growth in the arts and heritage sectors. The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced five approvals totalling just over $135,000 for the arts sector under the CEDP.

�Our arts community is rich and diverse and represents a valuable asset for this province,� said Minister Hedderson. �This investment is a strategic one that provides benefits not only to the arts sector, but also to our communities and the province as a whole.�

The Resource Centre for the Arts (RCA) received $50,000 toward the operational costs of the LSPU Hall. Incorporated in 1972, the RCA is a not-for-profit organization consisting of the RCA Theatre Company, RCA Visual Gallery and the RCA Hall Operations. The organization was formed by Newfoundland and Labrador artists with a mandate to focus on the development, promotion and presentation of local arts and artists.

The Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra (NSO) received $35,000 toward costs of a marketing and public awareness campaign for the 2006-2007season. The goal of the NSO is to present high-quality productions, attract future audiences, support up and coming Newfoundland and Labrador artists and to engage prominent international artists as guests.

Visual Artists of Newfoundland and Labrador (VANL) received $30,000 to offset costs associated with operations and professional development for VANL members. This organization represents the interests of professional visual artists in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland Artist X (n.a.x.) received $12,500 for the development of the course curriculum Integrated Professional Development for New and Mid-Career Directors. The course will offer professional development for artists beginning to direct for theatre and those who have been directing for two or three years.

The Labrador Creative Arts Festival received $8,000 toward costs for its workshop series. Running since 1974, this festival is an annual event held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and includes participation by high school students from coastal communities of Labrador.

The Cultural Economic Development Program has provided $2 million this year to the development of arts and heritage projects, with the primary goal of creating sustainable economic growth within the arts and heritage sectors.

For more information on the Cultural Economic Development Program, please go to
//www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/services_programs/CEDP

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Media contact:
Glenda Power
Communications Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 728-7762
glendapower@gov.nl.ca