The Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra (NSO) will receive $35,000 this year through the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) to support its 2008-09 marketing initiatives.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, made the announcement today in advance of the NSO�s "Big Ticket" gala event to be held Saturday, November 1, at the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John�s.

"For almost three decades the NSO has been a vital contributor to Newfoundland and Labrador�s music community," said Minister Jackman. "As a government, we are pleased to provide this support, which will offset costs associated with its marketing and public awareness campaign for the 2008-09 season."

Peter Gardner, General and Artistic Director of the NSO, said the organization is pleased with the Provincial Government�s continued support.

"The public awareness campaign aims to increase NSO�s various revenue streams, including fundraising, season subscription, and ticket sales," said Mr. Gardner. "Increased revenue allows us to continue striving towards NSO�s goals of presenting high-quality productions, supporting Newfoundland and Labrador artists, and engaging prominent international artists as guests."

Minister Jackman noted the department�s support for NSO activities goes beyond CEDP funding. The department also provided $110,000 for a new orchestra shell, completed last year, as part of a $3.3 million commitment to Arts and Culture Centre infrastructure announced in the Provincial Government�s cultural strategy: Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture (2006).

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

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

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Photo: Peter Gardner, General and Artistic Director of the NSO, joins Tourism Culture and Recreation Minister Clyde Jackman in surveying the orchestra shell which was purchased last year for the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John�s.

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