Neighbourhood Dance Works has received $27,500 in operational support through the province's 2010 Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP).

"Neighbourhood Dance Works supports the development and advancement of emerging and established dancers and choreographers," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to continuing support for the province's diverse cultural industries, which permit professional artists to create and promote their work."

Founded in 1981 as a performance collective, Neighbourhood Dance Works began by creating innovative dance works for stage. It later shifted its focus to presentation introducing the Festival of New Dance in 1990, which is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year.

"Neighbourhood Dance Works is proud of the contributions dancers impart on our cultural landscape," said Managing Director Calla Lachance. "The operational support we receive from the Cultural Economic Development Program enables us to develop our programs and further our role as the leading presenter of contemporary dance in Newfoundland and Labrador."

For more information on Neighbourhood dance Works, visit: www.neighbourhooddanceworks.com/.

The 2010 Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) is providing about $1.2 million in funding to the professional arts sector, and $1.27 million for the heritage sector for a total of almost $2.5 million.

CEDP applications are considered based on the strength of their business plans, vision, and potential for development within the sector. For more information on the CEDP program and application guidelines, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/artsculture/cedp/index.html

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