Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
February 27, 2017

Emphasizing the Link between Culture and Identity

Provincial Government Incorporates Culture in Department Name

The Provincial Government recently announced organizational changes, which included establishing a new Department of Tourism, Industry and Innovation. The name chosen for the department reflected its focus on supporting industry development, but had the unintended consequence of causing concern in the arts and cultural community.

“The Provincial Government sees cultural industries as a significant economic contributor to our province, and we feel those working in the arts and cultural communities are some of the most entrepreneurial and innovative people in the world. We support these communities with programs and services similar to how we support other industries and felt this work was captured in the department title. The arts and cultural community have emphasized the intrinsic link between culture and identity, and in recognition of that feedback, the department name will be Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

Recognizing and supporting the province’s unique culture has been a foremost priority for the Provincial Government as it has advanced initiatives over the past year. Examples include commitments to bring forward Status of the Artist legislation and update the province’s cultural plan as outlined in The Way Forward vision.

“Our government will continue to support our valued partners in the arts and cultural sectors with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation being the first point of contact. We look forward to advancing key initiatives like Status of the Artist legislation and an updated cultural plan to support artists and cultural practitioners, and promote the cultural vibrancy of our province.”
- Minister Mitchelmore

The department name change is effective immediately.

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Media contact:

Eric Humber Media Relations Manager Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation 709-729-4819, 725-9655 erichumber@gov.nl.ca

2017 02 27                              11:25 a.m.