News release

Province Supports Cultural Expansion into New Markets

Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

NOTE: Details of the projects receiving funding through the Industries Program follow this release.


Nova Scotia theatre, music and craft organizations are reaching new international audiences with help from provincial investments.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Bill Dooks announced today, Jan. 4, that almost $80,000 in funding for 15 projects will leverage more than three times that amount for the province's cultural industry.

"We have a strong, vibrant culture sector in Nova Scotia with the potential to diversify our economy and stimulate job creation," said Mr. Dooks. "By investing in the expansion of this sector, we can create new opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities throughout our province."

One of the projects receiving funding is Two Planks and a Passion, a theatre company based in Canning, Kings Co. Traditionally a touring company, Two Planks introduced a local outdoor summer theatre program last year in partnership with the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts.

They will receive $9,432 from the province to help brand this new program and create a database to manage out-of-province sales.

"Our new summer theatre program is different from anything we have done before," said artistic director Ken Schwartz. "This funding will help us market this unique, site-specific experience to international audiences and bring new dollars into Nova Scotia."

The province invests about $450,000 in cultural projects each year through the Industries Program. Applications are accepted three times a year with the next deadline being Tuesday, Jan. 15. For more information, see the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage website at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc/culture/culture_funding.asp or call 902-424-6397.

The culture sector in Nova Scotia generates about $1.2 billion annually and creates 28,000 direct and indirect jobs.


Note: Following are the 15 projects receiving funding through the Industries Program.

South:

  • Artifacts in Clay will receive $7,000 to help them exhibit at the Buyers Market of American Craft Show in Philadelphia.

Halifax Regional Municipality:

  • Arashi Art to Wear will receive $2,875 to assist with the production of promotional and marketing materials.
  • Armstrong Fox Textiles will receive $9,500 to assist them exhibit at the Interior Design Show in Toronto.
  • Donna Hebert Design will receive $5,000 to assist her exhibit at the New York International Gift Fair.
  • MB Mallets will receive $7,226 to assist with marketing their high-end drum and timpani mallets at an international convention in Columbus, Ohio.
  • Mocean Dance will receive $7,000 to assist with the development and production of new video-based touring and marketing materials.

North:

  • Two Planks and a Passion will receive $1,932 to assist with a data management system for out-of-province patrons.
  • Two Planks and a Passion will also receive $7,500 to assist with the branding of their major product to expand out-of-province sales.

Provincial:

  • African Nova Scotian Music Association will receive $3,000 to assist with the Black Vibes Showcase at the 2008 East Coast Music Awards.
  • Atlantic Film Festival will receive $10,000 to assist with its Inspired Music and Music & Image projects, which is designed to bridge the gap between music and film.
  • East Coast Music Association will receive $1,912 to participate in the Canadian pavilion at the North American Folk Alliance in Memphis.
  • East Coast Music Association will receive $1,800 to participate in the Americana Music Conference in Nashville.
  • Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council will receive $3,180 to assist with a series of Export Development workshops for artists and craftspeople.
  • Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council will receive $10,000 to help ten craft producers exhibit and sell at the Boston Market Trade Show.
  • Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council will receive $1,600 to support the association's participation in an Education Mission, organized by the Consulate General at the SOFA show in Chicago.