The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced two new board appointments to the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (ArtsNL).
Don Dunphy of Stephenville and Debbie Brake-Patten of Kippens have each been appointed for a three-year term. Biographical information for board members is available in the backgrounder below.
ArtsNL is a Crown corporation created under the Arts Council Act to foster and promote the production of works in the arts. Board members are appointed on the basis of sectoral representation of the arts community, with artistic disciplines represented by music, theatre, visual arts, writing, dance and film. In addition, as per the Act, the Board has two community representatives with an interest in the arts. The two individuals appointed will fill the theatre representative (Don Dunphy) and the community representative (Debbie Brake-Patten).
Appointments made to agencies, boards and commissions are done through a merit-based process established by the Independent Appointments Commission Act. ArtsNL is a Tier II entity under the Public Service Commission Act.
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“Our government remains committed to the arts community in the province and values the important role that ArtsNL plays in supporting artists. I congratulate Mr. Dunphy and Dr. Brake-Patten on their new appointments and the contributions they will bring to the board. I wish them success in their new roles.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
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Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
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BACKGROUNDER
Biographies for Appointees to the ArtsNL Board of Directors
Don Dunphy, a resident of Stephenville, is an actor, storyteller and comedian who has run his own theatre company for 11 years. He is a founding member of the Bay St. George Folk Arts Council and is Chair of the Stephenville Theatre Festival.
Dr. Debbie Brake-Patten, the Mayor of Kippens, is the owner of a private health care business in Bay St. George which she has ran successfully for the past 24 years. She is also an active volunteer in the community and is a member of the Stephenville Historical Society and the Royal Canadian Legion and is a past president of the Bay St. George Chamber of Commerce.