Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
February 6, 2015
Strategic Investments Strengthen Provincial Craft Industry
Over $20,000 in Funding Supports the Artistic and Economic Potential of Newfoundland and Labrador's Craft Sector
The Provincial Government is providing $20,900 through the Regional Development Fund in support of two craft sector initiatives. The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador will receive $17,500 to establish a Labrador Crafts Management Committee for training and research to help grow and diversify the craft market in Labrador and $3,400 for the Gros Morne Artist's Residency Program, scheduled for the end of February.
"Throughout its 43-year history, the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador has done tremendous work advocating for our provincial artisans and the local craft industry. Our government is pleased to support the Craft Council through this investment. I look forward to seeing the continued growth of the industry and I applaud the Craft Council's commitment to growing the province's economy through their support of local artisans and their unparalleled work. From traditional craft production, to apparel, to fine art, Newfoundland and Labrador craft producers are working hard to diversify the economy and I commend their talent and effort."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
The Labrador Crafts Management Committee will provide Labrador artisans and businesses involved in the sector with professional support to undertake skills development, product research and expansion, as well as sector development initiatives that are unique to Labrador. The Gros Morne Artist's Residency Program will provide local artists with the opportunity to work with other craft producers to improve product quality and design standards. The residency program will also meet the growing need for merchandise that reflects the province's culture while also helping craft producers to remain competitive in the changing marketplace.
"The support from the Provincial Government allows the Craft Council to deliver programming in rural parts of the province. These projects enable professional development opportunities for working craftspeople close to their home bases.The Gros Morne Craft Residency exposes craft businesses to the advice and experience of professional colleagues. The work undertaken in Labrador will result in programming specifically designed to meet the needs of craftspeople working in Labrador. These projects bring both immediate and long-term benefits to the provincial craft industry."
- Anne Manuel, Executive Director, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
A member-based organization, the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador has been providing stable and innovative programming for over 40 years. Additional information on the Craft Council can be found at www.craftcouncil.nl.ca 
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QUICK FACTS
- Funding totalling $20,900 is being provided to the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador for two initiatives.
- The Craft Council will receive $17,500 to establish the Labrador Crafts Management Committee.
- Funding totalling $3,400 will be provided to the Craft Council in support of the Gros Morne Artist's Residency Program.
- The Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development offers a wide range of programs that support the development and implementation of economic initiatives. Additional information on programs can be found at www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/programs/RDF.html.
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Media contacts:
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Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Anne Manuel
Executive Director Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-753-2749 amanuel@craftcouncil.nl.ca |
2015 02 06 10:45 a.m.