News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--CRAFTS-A CULTURAL ENTERPRISE IN NS ------------------------------------------------------------ A lunchtime celebration is being held Nov. 14 at the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design to herald the Christmas buying season. It includes a new display in their showrooms, a concert held in conjunction with the exhibition in their Mary E. Black Gallery, a chance to talk with some of the finest artisans in the Province as they demonstrate their refined techniques in four of the Centre's studios. The Centre for Craft and Design, located at 1683 Barrington Street (corner of Prince), is a focus for craft development in the province, and has invited representatives of various institutions and organizations which act as formal or informal partners in assisting the sector to join with the crafts producers to meet the public and the press from 11:45 a.m. till 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14. At 12:15 p.m. until 12:45 p.m., a free concert performed by the talented, "Abendmusik" will take place in the gallery, drawing attention to the exhibition, Sound Craftsmanship: Making More than Music, of musical instruments by over thirty craftspeople working in Nova Scotia. This will be the first of several weekly concerts during the exhibition's time at the gallery. Demonstrations in woodworking, weaving, glass, basketry and jewellery in the centre's studios will allow you to talk to the makers of the products you see. The new display, called Exposing the Limits, is exposing more than the talent of local craftspeople. Long recognized in Nova Scotia as a familiar part of the Christmas buying season, crafts are now becoming acknowledged as an increasingly important part of our economy and our culture, typical of the renaissance expected in the province's life, built on its identity, its people and their creativity, through cultural enterprises. The current series of Christmas craft fairs is still an important part of the producer's market, but more are exporting to new markets in Western Canada, the U.S.A., and considering Japan. New export sales are estimated at $3.4 million this year. What is less well understood is that the crafts industry is creating new, long-term jobs in Nova Scotia, adding to the more than 300 businesses solidly established here. The total value of sales annually is estimated to be $100 million. The Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design showcases some of the high quality crafts produced in Nova Scotia and acts as a catalyst for new designers. It offers a complete experience to visitors and information on the range of products available without the pressure to buy. Whether out of province visitors or local people, they contact the makers of the crafts they saw on display to buy directly from them or from retailers. -30- Contact: Chris Tyler 902-424-4062 trp Nov. 09, 1995