Young Artists Needed for Canada Games National Artist Program

The province is encouraging young Nova Scotian artists age 16 to 22 to participate in the National Artist Program of the Halifax 2011 Canada Games.

"Nova Scotia is home to many talented young artists whose contributions to their communities make life better for families in every region," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris. "The Halifax 2011 Canada Games represent a great opportunity for our young artists to showcase their talents and put Nova Scotia culture on the national stage."

The National Artist Program brings together bright and talented young artists from each province and territory, representing a variety of disciplines.

The artists are challenged through facilitators, to interpret the games individually and collectively through their discipline. The artists share the results with other artists, athletes and the public.

The participants from Nova Scotia will be selected based on artistic excellence and their ability to collaborate, taking into account gender equity, and the inclusion of visible minorities representing the province’s diverse cultures and demographics.

Nova Scotia's young artists will be selected among the following disciplines:

• visual arts
• dance/movement arts
• theatre arts
• music arts
• literary arts

The deadline for applications is Sept. 10. Program information and applications forms are available at http://gov.ns.ca/tch/national-artist-program.asp .

The Halifax 2011 Canada Games will be held from Feb. 11 to 27, 2011. Information about the games can be found at www.canadagames2011.ca.