Tourism, Culture and Recreation
June 13, 2008

Province Provides $50,000 to Support North Atlantic Fiddle Convention

More than 200 musicians, dancers, and academics will be in St. John�s this summer to celebrate a common cultural tradition during the six-day North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCO), to be held August 3-8.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, attended the event launch last night (Thursday, June 12) at the Arts and Culture Centre, where he formally announced the Provincial Government�s Budget 2008 provision of $50,000 to support the convention and associated activities.

"The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention is an international event which aligns perfectly with so many of our department�s objectives," Minister Jackman said. "It will celebrate and promote an important aspect of our cultural heritage; provide professional development and networking opportunities for artists and academics, and provide both local and visiting audiences with a chance to witness some extraordinary talent."

Minister Jackman noted The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention also supports the department�s efforts to expand the province�s cultural tourism industry.

"Such events increase the number of attractions in an area, offer tourism operators new revenue opportunities, and encourage visitors to plan vacations which allow them to truly experience our culture and heritage," the minister said.

This is the third time the convention has been held since 2001 and � as noted in this year�s theme, Crossing Over � the first time it has been held in North America. All three previous events were held in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Dr. Anna Guign�, artistic director with the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention, said NAFCO 2008 promises to be an incredible week of fiddle and dance festivities.

"This event, the first of its kind in North America, will put the province�s fiddle and dance traditions on the world stage alongside the music of other countries surrounding the North Atlantic Rim," Dr. Guigne said. "Our musical traditions are distinct and worth celebrating. Thanks to the incredible support we've received, NAFCO 2008 will leave a lasting legacy in terms of cultural development for many years to come."

Details on the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention events and activities can be viewed at www.mun.ca/nafco2008 .

Photo #1: The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, speaks to Dr. Anna Guign�, artistic director with the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention, during a June 12 event to announce details of the international event, to be held August 3-8 in St. John�s. The Provincial Government is providing $50,000 to support the convention and associated activities.

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Media contacts:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca 
Heather Kitchling
NAFCO 2008
604-838-4968
heather@heatherkitching.com

2008 06 13                                                    9:30 a.m.


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