February 11, 2000
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Minister unveils acquisitions made under the 1999/2000 Art Procurement Program

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced the provincial government�s list of acquisitions under the 1999/2000 Art Procurement Program. The Art Procurement Program annually acquires original works of art by Newfoundland and Labrador artists for the enrichment and enhancement of public buildings in the province.

"Each year when selecting these works, we are reminded of the extraordinary and outstanding artistic talent right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. The pieces which the province acquires annually are those which best depict and express our rich and diverse cultural heritage, and the acquisitions again this year are exceptional," said Minister Furey. "These items will be exhibited in a variety of provincial buildings across the island and Labrador, ranging from hospitals to court rooms. They are meant to be appreciated and enjoyed by every citizen in the province."

This year a total of 139 pieces of art were procured, including soap stone carvings, oil paintings, water colors, color photographs, lithographs, monoprints, bronzes, tapestries and etched glass.

The art work acquired under the program is selected by an independent jury made up of four representatives from the arts community. The jury travels around the entire province to view the art that has been submitted before making its recommendations for purchase. This year�s acquisitions totalled approximately $172,000. A full display of this year�s art will be exhibited for public viewing in the spring of 2000. The entire government collection will also be available on the department�s web site at the same time.

Following is a complete listing of the art procured this year.

Media contact: Mary MacNab, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2000 02 11 3:25 p.m.