The following statement was read today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister Education:

Young Talent Showcased at Provincial Theatre Arts Festival

From May 5 to 8 the theatrical talent of our junior high and high school students was showcased during the annual Provincial Theatre Arts Festival, held at Pearce Junior High School in Salt Pond, Burin.

Ten schools and more than 140 students from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador took part in this year's festival. Performances were held at Pearce Junior High, while theatre-related workshops were held at the Burin campus of College of the North Atlantic.

During the festival, the Burin Region Student Art Exhibit was also displayed at the school.

The Provincial Government is a proud supporter of the Provincial Theatre Arts Festival, providing $80,000 through our $2 million annual Cultural Connections program. It provides our young people with opportunities, both on stage and behind the scenes, to develop their talents and skills.

There is no doubt that some of them will choose careers in the arts. Many of this province's theatre professionals discovered their love of the performing arts during their school years, during regional competitions, and at this festival.

Our government is committed to strengthening arts and cultural programming in schools.

Since the implementation of Cultural Connections, about $15 million has been invested to increase the presence of cultural content in the school curriculum, and to foster links between the arts and school communities. That funding has been used to purchase equipment and resources, and to support such programs as ArtsSmarts, the School Touring Program, the Visiting Artist Program, the Student Travel Grant Program, and the Learning Partners Program.

Through our schools we are continuing to develop and nurture the next generation of actors, writers, musicians, set designers, technicians and others who will ensure our reputation as a province rich in creative talent continues into the future.

I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the students, festival organizers, teachers, parent volunteers and others for their commitment to making this year's Provincial Theatre Arts Festival yet another unqualified success.

2011 05 12                                                                                 1:50 p.m.