Education
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
February 18, 2014

Supporting Cultural Programming in Schools

New Website Highlights Cultural Connections Programming

A new, interactive website designed to highlight and promote cultural programming in schools was unveiled today at École Sainte-Anne in La Grand’Terre (Mainland). The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, was on hand for the launch, and was joined by Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port.

“The Provincial Government introduced the Cultural Connections program in 2005 and has since invested $17.4 million for musical equipment, art supplies, books, music and drama festivals, heritage fairs and other programs and activities of benefit to both students and artists. This new website is an excellent resource for schools and artists, providing a single location from which to access information on a variety of resources and Cultural Connections program opportunities. Involvement in the arts – thinking and acting in a creative way – builds character and self-confidence, and connecting artists with students and teachers helps enrich these learning opportunities.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education

Cultural Connections is a partnership between the Departments of Education and Tourism, Culture and Recreation, with some programming administered through the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council.

“Our province is defined by our unique culture and heritage, and it is important that we continue to promote this to subsequent generations. Cultural Connections provides a valuable means of helping maintain strong relationships with the arts, culture and heritage stakeholders throughout the province, and also supports our collective efforts to share and safeguard the unique identity and spirit of our province.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Components of the Cultural Connections strategy include, but are not limited to:

• ArtsSmarts, which promotes the active engagement of students in the arts through school-based projects;
• The School Touring Program, which provides financial assistance to professional artists and arts organizations to tour productions to more than one school;
• The Student Travel Grant Program, which provides funding for students to visit and/or perform at historical and cultural venues across the province;
• The Arts and Culture Infused Curriculum Program, which provides funding to allow artists to work with students and teachers in schools;
• The Resource Acquisition Program, which allows for the purchase of Newfoundland and Labrador resources such as books, theatre scripts, music and videos; and,
• The Fine Arts Equipment Acquisition Program, which provides funding for the purchase of fine arts equipment for schools. In 2013 alone, about $700,000 worth of musical equipment was provided to schools – including 1,000 guitars, 600 xylophones, 460 glockenspiels, 252 timpani drums, and more.

“It is very appropriate for this bilingual website to be launched at École Sainte-Anne, on the Port au Port peninsula, where we have such rich cultural traditions in both English and French. It is important for our students to learn about Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and culture, and to explore and discover their own artistic and creative skills.”
- Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port
 
The new website, featuring information on a wide variety of Cultural Connections resources and programming, can be viewed at: www.culturalconnectionsnl.ca . 
 
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council continues to enjoy a mutually beneficial partnership with the Provincial Government’s Cultural Connections program by managing the ArtsSmarts and School Touring Programs in Newfoundland and Labrador. The cultural capacity of classrooms in the K-12 system is enhanced by the professional artists who work with teachers to create arts-based enrichment opportunities focused on achieving curriculum learning outcomes.”
- Reg Winsor, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• A new, interactive website was launched today to highlight the availability of Cultural Connections programming for schools.
• The new website, featuring information on a wide variety of Cultural Connections resources and programming which benefits teachers, students, artists and arts organizations, can be viewed at: www.culturalconnectionsnl.ca .
• Since Cultural Connections was launched in 2005, $17.4 million has been invested in musical equipment, art supplies, books, music and drama festivals, heritage fairs and other programs and activities of benefit to both students and artists.

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2014 02 18            10:55 a.m.