The Eastern Edge Gallery in St. John's has received $12,500 in operational support through the province's 2010 Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP).

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said the investment supports the gallery's 2010-11 activities, which include offering support, professional development, information and resource-sharing within the contemporary arts community.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador supports artistic expression in all its forms, and the non-commercial, artist-run Eastern Edge Gallery offers a venue where contemporary artists, who create work in a wide range of media, can exhibit their work," said Minister French. "Eastern Edge is carrying out important work in providing a supportive space for artists, and art, which explore new and challenging ideas."

Eastern Edge Director Michelle Bush welcomed the investment.

"Continued support through the CEDP enables Eastern Edge to produce high quality, informative materials that communicate our events, exhibitions and information on visiting artists to the public," said Ms. Bush. "We produce small catalogues for all of our exhibitions and pamphlets informing emerging artists, art enthusiasts and the public of what we offer the community and how we are networked to the larger national artist-run gallery community. This support is also vital in order for us to develop the bilingual aspect of the gallery and market our dynamic arts community internationally."

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future provides $2.5 million to support arts, cultural and heritage initiatives throughout the province, with $1.2 million earmarked for the arts and culture sectors and $1.27 million provided to the heritage sector. CEDP applications are considered based on the strength of the business plans, vision, and potential development within the sector.

For more information on the program and application guidelines for the arts and culture sector, please visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/artsculture/cedp/index.html.

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