Arts and Culture to Come Together for Conference

Representatives of the arts and culture community will come together this fall to develop, foster and promote an awareness of the importance of arts and culture in Nova Scotia.

Paul Gallant, chair of the Nova Scotia Partnership Council, announced today, Aug. 11, the province's first annual Arts and Culture Conference and Awards Gala will be held at the DeCoste Centre in Pictou, Oct. 19.

"Arts and culture is an important part of our everyday lives and it contributes to the well-being of our communities," said Mr. Gallant. "We want to show how an even more vibrant and sustainable arts and culture sector can further strengthen our communities."

The conference will provide an opportunity for members of the sector to network with one another and hear from a wide range of expert speakers, panelists and presenters.

Following the conference, an awards gala will be held to celebrate and support the pursuit of excellence, innovation and artistic expression by Nova Scotia artists. Among the awards to be presented are the Portia White Prize, Aliant New Media Prize and Prix Grand-Pré Prize.

Members of the arts and culture community are being encouraged to mark their calendars for the inaugural event. More details will be released in upcoming months.

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.