Investing in Southern Region's Culture

TOURISM, CULTURE AND HERITAGE--Investing in Southern Region's Culture

The Nova Scotia government is investing more than $40,000 in visual arts, crafts and live theatre in the Southern Region as part of its ongoing support for the province's arts and culture industry.

"This investment helps individuals and groups fund special projects that encourage growth in the arts and culture sector in Nova Scotia," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "Each year, our department invests more than $5 million in cultural programs."

A group of visual artists now has professional representation to export their work to art galleries outside of Nova Scotia. Christine Ross, an art consultant from Annapolis Royal, will use the $4,000 in funding to research potential new markets.

"Most artists have to support themselves with other jobs, leaving them very little time to spend finding galleries outside of the province willing to show their work," said Ms. Ross. "This will be a more direct and professional approach and will include galleries in the northeastern United States."

The latest round of investments from the department's Industries Growth Program involves $256,465 for 38 organizations across Nova Scotia. Successful applicants for this program require an evaluation of the achievement of their projects.

The Industries Growth Program provides $450,000 a year to support projects that enhance out-of-province sales of Nova Scotia's cultural products. It also supports the improvement of technical and export capabilities and expands market opportunities and revenues.

NOTE: Following is a list of Southern Region recipients for latest investments through the Industries Growth Program. For a full provincial list contact the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

Astor Theatre: $4,665 -- to represent the Astor and Savoy theatres at Canadian Arts Presenting Association (CAPACOA) and Contact Ontario

Christine Ross/Richard Mueller/Susan Wood: $4,000

• for eight visual artists to find professional art gallery representation outside Nova Scotia

Mat Lady/Artifacts in Clay/Flax Blue: $8,500

• for three Nova Scotia craft companies to exhibit at the One of A Kind Show, Toronto

Ross Creek Centre for the Arts: $8,500 -- to develop a strategic marketing plan

Two Planks and a Passion Theatre: $8,500 -- to showcase Josh Macdonald's "Whereverville" at Contact Ontario

Two Planks and a Passion Theatre: $6,800 -- to promote Josh MacDonald's "Whereverville" at Contact East
and Canadian Arts Presenting Association