The province�s collection of original works of art has been substantially enriched with the addition of 71 pieces purchased under the 2008 Art Bank Program, demonstrating the Provincial Government�s continued commitment to purchasing, and displaying, the work of local visual artists.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced the list of works acquired from provincial artists, including works in oil, digital, acrylic, watercolor, stoneware, etchings, textiles and mixed-media.

"The work of our visual artists speaks to the dynamic talent we have in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Jackman. "The newly-purchased artwork will be displayed in public buildings throughout the province, bringing attention and recognition to visual arts and provincial artists for many years to come."

The Art Bank Program, formerly the Art Procurement Program, was established in 1982. The program offers emerging and established visual artists a chance to showcase their work to a wide audience, while also increasing the public�s awareness of the importance of arts and culture in our daily lives. This year�s acquisitions bring the art bank collection to a total of 2,683 works.

The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery Division manages the submissions and adjudication process, as well as ongoing support and care for the acquisitions. The procurement jury is made up of five regional representatives from the arts community. The deadline for the Provincial Art Bank call for submissions will change this year to Friday, September 11, 2009. For more information, please visit: www.therooms.ca/artgallery.

As part of the province�s cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador (2006), the annual budget for the Art Bank Program was increased from $75,000 to $125,000 a year. The strategy has, to date, provided $17.6 million in new funding to the arts, cultural and heritage sectors.

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