New Appointments to Arts and Culture Partnership Council

Nova Scotia's arts and culture sector will continue to be broadly represented with the appointment of four new members to the province's Arts and Culture Partnership Council.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Len Goucher announced today, Aug. 10, that Shelley Fashan, Jim Morrow, Kim Reinhardt and Linda Ross have accepted appointments to the Partnership Council.

"The arts and culture industry in Nova Scotia enhances our quality of life and brings important social and economic benefits to our communities," said Mr. Goucher. "I look forward to working with these respected members of our arts and culture community to further strengthen this vibrant sector."

Ms. Fashan lives in Lake Echo, Halifax Co., and is involved with many cultural events and projects, particularly in the African Nova Scotian community. She was a founding member of the African Nova Scotian Music Association and the Nova Scotia Mass Choir, a former board member of the East Coast Music Association and one of the first members of the former Nova Scotia Arts Council.

Mr. Morrow, of Port Williams, Kings Co., is the artistic director and resident designer at Mermaid Theatre. His plays have earned the company numerous awards, including the Canada Export Award and the Nova Scotia Export Award. He is also the current chair of the Artist in Residence Program at the QEII Hospital's Centre for Health Care of the Elderly.

Ms. Reinhardt, of Ketch Harbour, Halifax Co., is the chief curator at Pier 21, Canada's Immigration Museum. She has taught historical and critical theory courses in film and Canadian art and has served as the curator for the Multicultural Arts Resource Centre and Gallery, assisting newcomers to Canada who aspire to lead careers in the arts.

Ms. Ross from Sable River, is chair of the Community Business Development Corporation in Shelburne County. With aerial photography as her speciality, she has produced more than 20 postcards featuring Nova Scotia's beaches and shoreline towns. Her work has been featured in many books and publications.

Mr. Morrow has been appointed to the Arts and Culture Partnership Council for three years, Ms. Fashan and Ms. Reinhardt for two years and Ms. Ross for a one-year term.

"I am delighted to welcome these talented and experienced individuals to the Partnership Council," said Paul Gallant, council chair. "Together with our returning members, they will play an important role in representing the interests of our arts and culture sector here in Nova Scotia."

Joella Foulds, Terry Kelly and Wayne MacGillivary have all been appointed as returning members to the Partnership Council for three-year terms. Other council members include: Jenni Blackmore, Seaforth, Halifax Co.; Karen Diadick-Casselman, Cheverie, Hants Co.; Donald Ferguson, Glace Bay, Cape Breton Co.; Wanda George, Canning, Kings Co.; Laurie Swim, Lunenburg, Lunenburg Co.; and Dianne Coish and Marcel McKeough, representing the culture division, Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

The Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council was established in 2003. In consultation with the arts and culture sector, it provides advice and recommendations to guide the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage regarding ongoing investment in Nova Scotia's artists, cultural industries and cultural activities. The council members represent a cross-section of Nova Scotians with geographic and cultural diversity, and a broad range of experience in the arts and culture sector.