News Release Archive
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM--Nova Scotia Takes Centre-Stage
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Nova Scotia is sailing into history again. This time it's not
with the Bluenose, but with its entire cultural community.
For the first time in its 23-year history, the largest arts and
crafts retail show in Canada, Toronto's One of a Kind, is
featuring one province. And Nova Scotia is it.
"This is a great coup for Nova Scotia, but it's no surprise,"
said Susan Hanrahan, executive director of the Nova Scotia
Designer Crafts Council. "Our craftspeople consistently win
awards at the One of a Kind show.
"From traditional to contemporary crafts, there is a lot to be
proud of, and I am thrilled that the Nova Scotia crafts community
will have the opportunity to show off what it does so well."
Nova Scotia is the only province with an exhibit at the show, and
it's impossible to miss. Its display of sails soars 20 metres
into the air and beckons the crowds to the centre of the mammoth
exhibition at Toronto's new Trade Centre and Exhibition Place.
Once they arrive at the base of the sails, consumers will find an
oasis brought to life by Nova Scotia's cultural community.
The exhibit contains a gallery of works by 50 Nova Scotia artists
and a stage to showcase performing arts, the film industry,
audio-visual technology and cultural tourism. Staff at the site
will also direct consumers to Nova Scotia's 26 artisans who have
booths at the exhibition. Many artisans earn a huge portion of
their annual income at the show.
Artist Beverly Mcclare of Grand Pre feels the presence of the
centrally located Nova Scotia exhibit will help sales at her
booth and others.
"I do think this is going to be a good year," she said. "It (the
exhibit) adds extra visibility. The show is massive and the
exhibit is another sign Nova Scotia is there. I'm anticipating it
will help, not just in direct sales, but in exposure for Nova
Scotia tourism."
Show goers will be able to watch sculptor Dawn MacNutt,
woodworker Barry Brown and folk artist Kyle Jackson as they
create their art. The Celebration of Music will feature
performances by singer/songwriter John Gracie and
traditional/roots singers Howie MacDonald, Angelo and Carlo
Spinazzola and Tony MacDonald.
Other components of the exhibit include audio-visual and disk
projections that showcase the arts and crafts, film and tourism
industries of Nova Scotia. A computer is available to demonstrate
made-in-Nova Scotia software and to connect visitors with Nova
Scotia websites.
The show lasts 11 days, Nov. 27-Dec. 7. To maximize exposure for
the province, a media brunch held this morning featured Nova
Scotia cuisine. The official opening tonight features music by
John Gracie, as well as performances by bagpipers and highland
dancers.
Representatives of the craft and cultural community have worked
together with government departments and representatives of the
show to ensure the success of project. Major partners in the
project are Burgess Transport and Maritime Tel &
Tel/Info-Interactive.
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Contact: In Toronto:
Maureen Juniper
One of a Kind
905-469-1460
Lynn Buckley
Nova Scotia exhibit
416-203-3333
Cell: 902-456-2108
In Halifax:
Mary Jane Fumerton
Economic Development and Tourism
902-424-8921
E-mail: econ.fumerton@gov.ns.ca.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Beta SP format tape will be available of the
Nova Scotia exhibit, Nova Scotia artisans and the opening
ceremonies Thursday night. Photos will also be available. Please
contact Mary Jane Fumerton at the above number.
gam Nov. 27, 1997 4:15 p.m.
