June 11, 1996
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

The following statement was issued today by Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Ministerial Statement - Air Procurement Review Released

I wish to advise the Honourable Members that the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation is today releasing to the public the formal review of government's art procurement program. For the information of the Honourable Members, I have distributed a copy of the recommendations put forward in this report.

Established in 1982 by Cabinet, this program is designed to recognize and promote the works of our artists by placing original Newfoundland and Labrador art works in public buildings.

The program's art works and crafts are intended to be representative of the province's various geographical locations as well as the various themes, styles and compositions of visual art media.

In the current economic climate, retention of the program in this year's budget sends a very positive message to the Newfoundland and Labrador arts community. A review was necessary however, to secure the most relevant and efficient art procurement program possible.

A total of 42 recommendations were made and include: changes to the two-tier procurement committee to be replaced by a five- person jury; a requirement that works being purchased be produced within the two years preceding the acquisition; and a clearly- stated policy to be developed for lending artwork for exhibitions within or outside Newfoundland and Labrador.

While the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation would like to act on this report as quickly as possible, we will not proceed with implementing any of the recommended items until interested persons or groups are given the opportunity to review the documents and express their views