NLIS 3 May 2, 2003 (Tourism, Culture and Recreation) 2003 Arts and Letters Awards recipients announced Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced the recipients of the 2003 Arts and Letters Awards at a gala ceremony at the St. John�s Arts and Culture Centre Thursday evening. "The Arts and Letters Awards is one of the longest running continuous cultural programs in the province," said Minister Bettney. "It stimulates creative talent in the province by awarding prizes in various categories of creative endeavour. This year alone, there were more than 900 entries submitted by talented and artistic Newfoundlanders and Labradorians of all ages." Author Kevin Major, chair of the Arts and Letters Committee, said the quality of the submissions received was exceptional. "The submissions we receive each year for the Arts and Letters Awards is testimony that we are not only one of the most culturally rich provinces in the country, but one of the most culturally active," said Mr. Major. "Many of the renowned artists in the province received their first formal recognition through this program. I am proud to say that this program has become a medium through which these creative talents have come to life." Seventeen prizes were awarded in the Junior Division for entrants age 12 to 18, and 26 prizes were awarded in the Senior Division. Prizes in both divisions were awarded for prose, poetry, visual arts and musical composition. Minister Bettney and the Lieutenant Governor, Honourable Ed Roberts, presented the Senior Awards, while Christopher Pratt, Pamela Morgan and Lisa Moore presented the Junior Awards. In addition, the Percy Janes First Novel Award was presented to Joel Hynes for his manuscript Down to the Dirt. The presentation of awards was interspersed with performances, readings and visual presentations from this year�s winners. The Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador at the St. John�s Arts and Culture Centre is showing an exhibition of the winning visual arts entries, along with selected other entries, from May 1 to May 18. "I encourage everyone who could not attend the awards gala to take the time to see some of the work of our talented artists," said Minister Bettney. "I congratulate and thank everyone who submitted their work for the 2003 Arts and Letters Awards. While not everyone could win an award, this is evidence of the great creative talent we have in Newfoundland and Labrador." For more information about the Arts and Letters Awards, please call Regina Best, Arts and Letters Awards Coordinator, (709) 729-5253. Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928. Winners in the 2003 Arts and Letters Awards
2003 05 02 10:15 a.m. |
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