52^nd Annual Arts and Letters Awards, June 10, St. John�s

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley today announced that the 52^nd Arts and Letters Awards will take place on Thursday, June 10, at 8:00 p.m. at the Memorial University School of Music.

"The 52^nd Arts and Letters Awards will continue the long-standing tradition of recognizing creative talent in the province," said Minister Shelley. "The awards continue to be a great success due in part to the increasing interest each and every year and thanks to the hard work and determination of the volunteer committee. My thanks to all members of the committee - Kevin Major (chair), Michael Clair, Don Lane, Marlene Creates, Calvin Patey, Bill Rose, Anita Best, Bernice Morgan and Regina Best (staff co-ordinator) for their continued commitment to this important event."

Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories, including dramatic script, musical composition, non-fictional prose, poetry, short fiction and visual art. The Percy Janes Novel Award will also be presented to encourage Newfoundland and Labrador writers who wish to make a serious commitment to the writing profession. Over 1,000 submissions have been received for this year�s awards with $23,000 in prize money to be awarded.

"The history of the Arts and Letters Awards began over 50 years ago from a vision to encourage and promote culture and creativity in the province," said Kevin Major, chair of the Arts and Letters Committee. "Years later, there is no doubt that the program continues to accomplish its goal. Recipients of the Arts and Letters Awards are part of a unique group of individuals who have been given an opportunity to be formally recognized for creative talent. For some recipients, who have become renowned artists, this accomplishment has led to a life-long career."

Due to limited seating at the Memorial University School of Music, tickets will be by invitation only. However, additional tickets may be available after May 31. For further information on the awards night, call Regina Best, co-ordinator, Arts and Letters Awards at (709) 729-5253.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2004 05 04                                         3:10 p.m.