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Education
November 18, 2009

Minister Announces Increased Funding for Cultural Connections Initiatives

Additional funding is being provided this year for three arts in education programs. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, together with Reg Winsor, executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC), provided details today while visiting students at Larkhall Academy.

�Each year, funding is provided through our Cultural Connections strategy to better connect artists with students,� said Minister King. �I am pleased to announce this year that an additional $100,000 is being made available, bringing the total amount for our arts in education programs to $320,000. This will mean more artists will meet more students, further increasing the presence of Newfoundland and Labrador culture, heritage and art in our schools.�

Three programs will receive funding, with the grants being administered by the NLAC.

�The NLAC is very proud of the success of ArtsSmarts, the Visiting Artist Program, and the School Touring Program,� said Reg Winsor. �It is a pleasure to partner with the Department of Education in delivering these innovative and engaging programs. This funding increase is proof that government truly believes in investing in our children and the arts in a meaningful way. We look forward to continued success with this partnership.�

The ArtsSmarts program seeks to integrate art throughout standard school curriculum, to develop intellectual and communication skills in children through active participation in the arts, and to enhance appreciation for culture and art.

The Visiting Artists Program (VAP) supports initiatives to bring the province�s artists into schools. Schools can apply for funding to have an artist, group of artists, or arts organization come to the school to do such things as present work, conduct readings, offer performances, and lead arts workshops with students. This program opens doors for teachers to invite artists into their classrooms.

The School Touring Program (STP) is an original program created through the Cultural Connections initiative. This program is distinct from ArtsSmarts and VAP in that it provides students with access to artistic experiences by providing financial assistance to professional artists and arts organizations for touring productions to more than one school. A full tour consists of at least 10 presentations/performances, or seven if the tour includes one school in Labrador. An artist or organization can only receive one STP grant per school year.

�It is important our young people feel a connection with fine arts, culture and heritage,� said Minister King. �Our artists and performers are world-class, and through Cultural Connections, they are going into our schools to show students first-hand what they are doing, and providing inspiration to a whole new generation of actors, musicians, writers and visual artists. Over the past several years, hundreds of visits have been made to schools, and we hope that through this initiative, our young people will become instrumental in expressing and supporting our culture and help define the province in years to come.�

Applications for the arts in education programs can be made to the NLAC. Schools apply for the ArtsSmarts and Visiting Artists Program, and individual artists, groups, and non-profit arts organizations apply for the School Touring Program. Information and application forms are available on-line at www.nlac.nf.ca or at the NLAC office, 1 Springdale Street, St. John�s, nlacmail@nfld.net, 709-726-2212 or toll-free at 866-726-2212.

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Media contacts:

Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca
Janet McDonald
Communications Officer
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
709-726-2212
jmcdonald@nf.aibn.com

2009 11 18                   9:10 a.m.


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