The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said the funding will offset costs of membership activities, including ACI�s annual general meeting, which will be held tomorrow (Saturday, September 27) in Gander.

"ACI plays a significant role in maintaining the province�s vibrant cultural sector," said Minister Jackman. "Over the past decade, members of the ACI have worked tirelessly to address issues facing the industry and strengthen arts and culture throughout the province."

George Murray, executive director of ACI, welcomed the support, noting this year�s investment also enabled the organization to develop a popular web-based cultural calendar.

"The new calendar allows individuals and organizations to list cultural events across the province," said Mr. Murray. "Users can visit the site to see what�s happening everywhere in the province, or narrow their search by artistic sector and/or geographic area to find specific cultural events happening near them."

The 2008 Cultural Economic Development Program is providing more than $2.4 million for operational and project support to the arts and heritage sectors.

For more information on the CEDP program and application guidelines, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/services_programs/CEDP/ARTS/.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2008 09 26                                                    11:45 a.m.