Executive Council
Tourism,
Culture and Recreation
January 21, 2008
Province
Congratulates Corner Brook
on Successful Bid to Host 2009 ECMA Awards
The Honourable Danny
Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today congratulated the
City of Corner Brook on its successful bid to host the 2009 East Coast
Music Awards, Festival and Conference. The announcement was made
earlier today by Wade Pinhorn, chair of the board of directors of the
East Coast Music Association (ECMA).
�Congratulations to
the City of Corner Brook on its successful bid to host this prestigious
music industry event," said Premier Williams. "The East Coast Music
Awards, which include several days of music showcases and related
business activities, is a high-profile occasion and will generate
tremendous economic benefit to the City of Corner Brook and the entire
western region. In addition to high profile musicians, the ECMAs draw
industry professionals � agents, distributors and record company
personnel - who are crucial to helping our musical artists further their
professional careers.�
The Honourable Clyde
Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, noted the 2009
ECMAs will be a celebration of Atlantic Canadian musical talent and be
of particular benefit to cultural and tourism operators on the west
coast.
�This event provides
a tremendous opportunity to showcase the incredible depth of musical
talent throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,� Minister Jackman said.
�It is also an opportunity for the Atlantic Canadian music industry to
experience such key attractions as Marble Mountain, which makes the
Corner Brook area one of our premier winter tourism destinations.�
The Honourable Tom
Marshall, MHA for the District Humber East, said he was delighted the
City of Corner Brook had been successful in its bid.
"The Corner Brook
area has developed a well-deserved reputation as a first class venue for
hosting events on a local, provincial, national and international
level,� Minister Marshall said. �I am sure the many volunteers look
forward to welcoming the event participants to the city and the scenic
west coast of our province."
The Provincial
Government provides $300,000 annually to Music Newfoundland and Labrador
(up from $200,000 in 2005); $100,000 of which is devoted to a
Professional Development Fund, through which artists can apply for
assistance to attend professional development seminars and events. In
2006, the Provincial Government released a cultural strategy: Creative
Newfoundland and Labrador � The Blueprint for Development and
Investment in Culture, which committed $17.6 million in new funding
to the arts, culture and heritage sectors over a three-year period
The 2008 East Coast
Music Awards are being held February 7-10 in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
Dates for the 2009 event are expected to be announced shortly.
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Media contacts:
Elizabeth
Matthews
Director of
Communications
Office of
the Premier
709-729-3960, 693-7291
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
|
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
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2008 01
21 5:30 p.m.
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