The regional Arts and Culture Centre in Gander was today renamed the Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre, in honour of Newfoundland and Labrador�s first and longest-serving premier.

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, MHA for the District of Gander, joined Smallwood family members, invited guests, and members of the public during the official renaming ceremony, which included musical and theatrical performances and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

"It was Premier Smallwood who opened the first regional Arts and Culture Centre in St. John�s in 1967 � and it was his vision that there would be a network of Arts and Culture Centres which would foster, nurture and support all forms of artistic expression," said Premier Williams. "Premier Smallwood�s memorial can be found in the astonishing productivity of Newfoundland and Labrador�s artists over the years.

"As a government, over the past three years, we have invested $17.6 million in arts and culture initiatives through our cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador, as we recognize the social and economic value of a vibrant cultural community," the Premier added. "The multitude of artistic talent this province continues to produce � from a relatively small population � is nothing short of extraordinary."

Minister Jackman noted the renaming of the Arts and Culture Centre in Gander recognizes the significant contributions Premier Smallwood made during his 22-year tenure in terms of cultural preservation and development, and also complements other regional efforts � including those in his birthplace in nearby Gambo � to educate residents and visitors alike about the Smallwood legacy.

"Our government recognizes that the preservation of our history, and the celebration and promotion of our rich culture, is central to our social and economic success," said Minister Jackman. "It is our unique culture which provides us with a sense of self � a sense of pride � and we should never take it for granted. Premier Smallwood recognized this and, throughout his political and post-political life, was a champion for cultural education and development throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Honourable Kevin O�Brien, MHA for Gander, said the Arts and Culture Centre in Gander has long contributed to the development and appreciation of the arts throughout the region.

"In Newfoundland and Labrador, it is our culture that is often the glue that binds us all together," said Minister O�Brien. "In Gander, the Arts and Culture Centre has played an important role in most of our lives. Having it renamed to recognize Premier Smallwood is a testament to the significant contribution he made to promote the province�s arts and culture, both here and throughout the country."

Dale Russell FitzPatrick, grand-daughter of the late Premier Smallwood, said the family was honoured to participate in the renaming ceremony.

"Having the Smallwood name on this beautiful building in Gander is, in itself, poetic," said Ms. Russell FitzPatrick. "It was when my grandfather was living and farming in Gander that the spark of Confederation with Canada became the flame that was never extinguished in him. He also played a pivotal role in the beginnings of the town�s public library, having convinced the Royal Canadian Air Force to donate its library when they left Gander. My family is very pleased and honoured to have a public building bear his name, and that this public building is in Gander."

Today�s renaming ceremony included performances by actor Kevin Noble, who reprised his popular role as "Joey" for the event, and Gander residents and musicians Averill Baker, Ian Waye and Courtney Slaney.

The history of the Arts and Culture Centre in Gander, now the Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre, began in 1971 with the opening of a swimming pool � part of a plan for an Arts and Recreation Centre, as it was then known. In 1974, construction began on the theatre complex and, in 1977, the facility was officially opened.

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