Funding Will Bring Live Performances and Presentations to Schools

Newfoundland and Labrador artists are among the most talented, innovative, creative people in the country, and in fact, the world. They entertain and delight audiences in the smallest communities and in the bigger centres. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, is pleased to announce today that beginning in September 2007, many performing artists will also be in our schools to explore and celebrate our culture with students.

�We have approved $65,000 to launch a new School Touring Program,� said Minister Burke. �Professional artists and arts organizations will be funded to visit schools to provide students with direct access to high quality artistic experiences. The goal is to increase an appreciation of the arts through live performances and presentations.�

This funding comes from the Cultural Connections strategy, the $10 million, three-year initiative, announced in 2005 which is designed to increase the presence of cultural content in the curriculum and foster links between artists and students. Other projects stemming from this initiative include ArtsSmarts, Learning Through the Arts, and the Visiting Artists Program.

�We all take great pride in the culture that binds us as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,� said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. �The presence of performing artists in our schools is an excellent educational opportunity and a celebration that will help students develop an appreciation of our art, culture and heritage.�

The program is open to all artistic disciplines served by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, including music, theatre, dance, writing, visual arts and film. At least two-thirds of the performances in any tour will be in rural areas, and workshops and discussions with the students will occur in each school. The content must be culturally-relevant, age appropriate and support the school curriculum.

Reg Winsor, executive director with the Arts Council, said, �The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council is pleased to be partnering with the Department of Education in administering the new School Touring Program. The arts community has expressed a need for this type of program and we anticipate that our professional artists and arts organizations will fully avail of the funding program.�

Minister Burke concluded, �Our culture has sustained us for generations. This is why our cultural strategy is so important. An innovative and engaging exposure to the arts and artists will help students come to respect the contributions of individuals and cultural groups. Through this new initiative, students will meet the artists first hand, enjoy the privilege of seeing them in action, and we hope, come to a full appreciation of how our culture is reflected in their performances.

�I encourage professional artists and arts organizations throughout the province to consider applying for a grant. It is a great opportunity to show our young people the importance of our heritage, the talent of our performing artists, and what a career in the performing arts would entail.�

For more information, contact Ken Murphy, program manager, Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, at 709-726-2212, toll free 1-866-726-2212.

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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2007 03 27                                               10:25 a.m.