Applications Invited for New Arts and Culture Awards
Members of Nova Scotia's arts and culture sector are invited to apply for the first offering of $45,000 in new awards and scholarships.
Announced at the Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala and Conference last fall, these new awards were recommended by the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council and endorsed by the province of Nova Scotia.
"We know that in order for the arts and culture sector in Nova Scotia to prosper, greater support is required," said Paul Gallant, chair of the council. "This new investment will help to strengthen the sector by supporting artists and fostering artistic development among youth."
"Arts and culture makes a significant contribution to our economy and our quality of life here in Nova Scotia," said Len Goucher, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, noting that the province has increased its funding for arts and culture by more than $2 million over the past five years. "We recognize the need for greater support and are pleased to work with the Partnership Council to further strengthen and develop this sector."
The funding for the new awards will come from a portion of the investment interest on the Nova Scotia Arts Endowment Fund. This will allow the fund to facilitate the growth of the sector while remaining protected for the long-term. The new awards will be broken down into several categories:
The Established Artist Recognition Awards, totaling $25,000, is for artists who have become recognized and established in Nova Scotia in the area of music, dance and theatre, visual arts, literature or new media and design. Five awards in the amount of $5,000 each will be given annually to support the growth of these artists in the province and outside the region.
The Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award, valued at $10,000, is for a community that demonstrates initiative and excellence in integrating arts and culture into overall community planning. While recognizing past achievements, this annual award also provides a cash infusion to enhance future arts and culture activities and further strengthen the community.
The Nova Scotia Talent Trust will receive an additional $7,000 in grant funding to help support young artists with exceptional potential and commitment become established in their chosen fields.
The Youth Arts Scholarships, valued at $3,000, is for disadvantaged children who need assistance to overcome barriers that may prevent or limit their study in any of the arts disciplines. Five scholarships of $600 will be awarded annually.
More specific information about the new awards, including criteria and guidelines, is available online at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc. The deadline for applications is Monday, Sept. 17. All applications will be evaluated by peer juries or independent assessment panels. The recipients will be announced at the 2007 Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala and Conference being held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Sydney on Oct. 18.
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.