NLIS 2
Innovation, Business and Rural Development
August 15, 2013
To support performance-art education and promote opera to a larger audience in the province, the Provincial Government will provide funding of $24,100 to Opera on the Avalon.
“Opera on the Avalon offers a unique and educational experience to everyone who has had the pleasure of enjoying a performance or has collaborated with the company on a production,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. ”I am pleased that the $24,100 in funding will assist this innovative organization in moving forward with their business development.”
Founded in 2008, Opera on the Avalon is the only program of its kind in Atlantic Canada which produces fully-staged operas for the purpose of public education, professional development of its participants, and to enrich the artistic offerings in the region. The goal of Opera on the Avalon is to entertain, challenge, and enlighten audiences with operas produced from Canadian and international repertoires. The company provides emerging operatic artists with the opportunity to perform and develop under the guidance of some of the most distinguished performance artists working today. Opera on the Avalon will use the funding to implement a new marketing strategy and enhance their presence at key industry conferences.
“Creating opportunities for new artists, and fostering the creation of new works focusing on our shared history and culture are two cornerstones of Opera on the Avalon's mission,” said Cheryl Hickman, Artistic Director of Opera on the Avalon. “Through the generous assistance of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, this grant will assist in increasing the vitality of our company, and help further strengthen Opera on the Avalon as the foremost opera company in Atlantic Canada. The IBRD funding provides invaluable support to allow our company to grow and thrive in new markets, and will make a direct impact on our ability to provide quality productions and increase the creation and presentation of new works.”
“Our economy is well-served when it diversifies and supports industry and talent,” said Minister Hutchings. “As a government, our role is to create an environment where organizations like Opera on the Avalon can capitalize on new and developing opportunities and grow as a result.”
Additional information about Opera on the Avalon and their performances can be found at www.operaontheavalon.com.
Media contacts:
| Heather Maclean Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Katie Sesk Opera on The Avalon 709-738-1322 info@operaontheavalon.com |
2013 08 15 9:40 a.m.