January 26, 1996
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
Cabot's Year of the Arts program to receive full funding
Roger Grimes, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced that the
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council will receive an additional $700,000 in funding to
administer the Year of the Arts program.
"This funding will enable the Arts Council to proceed with its original plans to showcase Newfoundland and Labrador artists and artisans and their works," Mr. Grimes said. "Government recognized the importance of the program and that it could not be implemented with a reduced budget of $500,000. Following a discussion with Premier Brian Tobin on the issue, the Premier made representation to the new Minister of Canadian Heritage and Deputy Prime Minister Ms. Sheila Copps who committed the necessary $700,000. Total funding for the project will now equal $1.2 million or the amount originally requested by the Arts Council."
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council submitted a budget to The John Cabot (1997) 500th Anniversary Corporation in October of 1995 for the delivery of a major arts' celebration for 1997. On November 3, 1995, government announced that it would assume the responsibility for managing the celebrations. One month later, Mr. Grimes released a revised budget for the celebrations which indicated a reduced budget of $500,000 for the Year of the Arts program.
"The other major components of the John Cabot Celebrations are intended to bring non-resident tourists to this province," Mr. Grimes said. "Through the Year of the Arts program, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will celebrate their history, culture and heritage amongst themselves and with visitors."
Contact: Laura Cochrane, Public Relations Director, (709) 729-0928; or fax: (709) 729-0870.
| 1996 01 26 | 2:55 p.m. |
