Artists Invited to Participate in Canada Games

Three of Nova Scotia's best young artists will have an opportunity to develop their artistic talents in Whitehorse, Yukon, during the first Canada Games to be held north of 60.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Len Goucher announced today, Oct. 11, that the three young artists from Nova Scotia will be selected to participate in the National Young Artists Program at the 2007 Canada Winter Games from Feb. 23 to Mar. 10.

"We want to encourage young people from across the province to consider this exciting opportunity to grow as artists in a safe and challenging environment," said Mr. Goucher. "It will be an incredible cultural experience for them."

The National Young Artists Program is a two-week artistic residency where young people get to work with leading Canadian artists. The artists work collaboratively to create new multi-disciplinary works which are presented during two evening performances at the closing of the Games.

To be eligible, artists must be between 18 and 22 years of age (as of Dec. 31, 2006) and represent one of the following disciplines: theatre, music, dance, visual arts or literary arts. The selection process will take into account artistic excellence, ability to collaborate, gender equity, official languages, and the inclusion of Aboriginal people and cultures.

Application forms for young Nova Scotia artists interested in applying for the Whitehorse 2007 Canada Games National Artists Program are available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc/culture or by contacting Beverley Brown-Sweeting at 902-424-4179 or by email at <brownsb@gov.ns.ca.> The deadline for applications is Oct. 31.

The Canada Games is the country's largest amateur multi-sport event. About 297 Nova Scotia athletes, coaches, managers, and artists are expected to participate. Further information on the Whitehorse 2007 Canada Games is available on the website at www.2007canadagames.ca .