Local jazz and blues music presenter,
Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues, is initiating a marketing
strategy to better target international audiences and
performers and increase awareness of its year-round
events. Greater marketing activities, with the
assistance of the Provincial Government, support the
organization's objective of building the province's
brand as a world-class destination for music and linking
local performers with international music promoters.
"Over the years, the Wreckhouse
International Jazz and Blues Festival has successfully
expanded its scope from Newfoundland and Labrador to
targeting performers and audiences from across North
America and Europe," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner,
Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "By
continuing to advance its marketing activities, it will
create new opportunities for local artists to promote
themselves, solicit other performance opportunities, and
establish national and international collaborations."
The Provincial Government's $26,644
investment in the Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues marketing
campaign builds on previous outreach initiatives that
included trade missions to Chicago and Iceland.
Additional activities will include the development of a
new website, print materials, and advertising and public
relations campaigns.
"With the development of a three-year
marketing strategy, we will be able to work towards our
goals of achieving the national and international
recognition that is enjoyed by many of our counterparts
within Jazz Festivals Canada, along with contributing to
the promotion of local talent and our educational
programming," said Kirk Newhook, Executive/Artistic
Director, Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues. "Enhanced marketing
efforts will also help us better develop a corporate
sponsorship program, thereby increasing community
engagement and revenues, allowing us to secure
headlining international artists."
In addition to its week-long festival
that is held in St. John's in mid-July, Wreckhouse Jazz
and Blues offers many events throughout the year to
achieve its goal of promoting the enjoyment and
appreciation of jazz, blues and world music in an
already vibrant and nationally-recognized musical
community.
"The Wreckhouse International Jazz and
Blues Festival has emerged as an anchor attraction in
the St. John's area," said Minister Skinner. "Along with
entertaining thousands of people annually, it leads to
significant direct and in-direct economic spin-offs."
Incorporated in 2003, Wreckhouse Jazz and
Blues is a non-profit organization with a mission to
build a greater awareness for jazz, blues and world
music and traditions through a year-round program of
educational and performance events. It is the
only organization dedicated to developing this music
genre in the province.
This initiative was funded through the
Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF), which
through Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong
Foundation was increased to an $8 million fund.
Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and
Rural Development, the RSDF provides non-repayable
contributions to economic development agencies for
initiatives that address regional and sectoral
development and diversification.
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