Tourism, Culture and Recreation
April 18, 2011
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation:
Ministerial Statement - Artistic Talents Recognized at Arts and Letters Awards Gala
I rise in this Honourable House today to acknowledge the recipients of the 59th annual Arts and Letters Awards, presented this past weekend.
The Arts and Letters Awards program was established in 1952. It recognizes the creative talent of established writers, composers, and visual artists, as well as young, emerging talent throughout the province. The program is administered by a committee appointed by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.
This year, the Provincial Government awarded more than $46,000 in prizes to entrants in the categories of literary arts, including French, musical composition, and visual arts. Of the almost 800 entries submitted to this year’s program, 35 awards were presented in the Junior Division for entrants aged 12 to 18, and 37 awards were presented in the Senior Division.
With the top prize of $1,500, the Percy Janes First Novel Award is an honour bestowed to a first-time novelist for his or her unpublished manuscript. This year, it was awarded to Lee Burton of St. John’s for the work titled, Raw Flesh in the Rising.
Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the most vibrant cultural communities in the country and boasts a wealth of talented artists who have made their mark locally, national and internationally. Many of these artists gained their first recognition through the Arts and Letters program. In fact, thousands of professional and amateur artists from the province have participated in this program over the years.
I commend everyone who participated in this year’s Arts and Letters program and I congratulate those who have been honoured. Hats off to the creative spirit we have right here at home in literature, music, and visual art.
2011 04 18 1:50 p.m.