News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--CRAFTS-A CULTURAL ENTERPRISE IN NS
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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.
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Contact: Chris Tyler 902-424-4062
trp Nov. 09, 1995