Teachers from throughout the province are gathering in Corner Brook today to participate in the Department of Education�s second annual ArtsWork conference, which brings together Newfoundland and Labrador artists and teachers from the K-12 system.

"We are proud about recent initiatives that are bringing the arts into our schools, not the least of which is the tremendously successful ArtsWork Conference," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "In Budget 2007, we are investing more than $100,000 in ArtsWork. We want to link our provincial artists and performers with our teachers, so they have an enhanced understanding of our arts and culture. This, in turn, will ensure our students can better appreciate the role of the arts in preserving our culture and heritage."

The conference runs from May 14-15, and will include workshops in diverse areas such as story-telling, puppet-making, drumming, creative writing, music and visual art. Over the two-day period, more than 200 teachers will participate in 65 sessions.

Fostering cultural content in schools is important for the preservation and growth of the province�s arts sector. "We look to future generations to grow and develop our cultural resources," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "In addition to the support government provides to heritage groups, museums and arts organizations, it is important that we recognize the valuable role our education system plays in promoting the arts. I am pleased there are teachers whose dedication and support is being nurtured by conferences such as ArtsWork," said the minister.

During the conference, five award winners will be announced who are recipients of The ArtsWork Educator Award. These awards recognize teachers who make significant contributions through the arts, exhibit teaching excellence in the arts, and empower their students through arts in the classroom. Each winner will receive a personalized etched crystal award and a financial contribution to support his or her arts program. This year�s award winners are: Jeanette Laaning (Holy Trinity Elementary), Dave Anthony (Leo Burke Academy), Darren White (J.C. Rowe Junior High), Lori Deeley (Stephenville High), and Valerie Tubman (Queen Elizabeth Regional High).

"Major funding for the province comes through our Cultural Connections strategy, a three-year, $10 million investment. This year alone, $2.8 million was allocated in Budget 2007 for this initiative," said Minister Burke. "Cultural Connections ensures the culture and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador is a significant part of the provincial curriculum. But more than that, through this funding, we are bringing artists and performers into our schools. Teachers and students reap the benefits of one-on-one connections with our leading artists, writers, musicians, dancers and actors. And by doing so, our young people will become creators of our culture and help define the province in years to come."

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

2007 05 14                                                    10:05 a.m.