Applications Sought for $10,000 Art Prize

Artists have until Friday, Jan. 31 to apply for Aliant's New Media Prize. The $10,000 award, administered by the Department of Tourism and Culture, supports artists or art organizations exploring and developing new media technologies, such as the Web.

"Aliant is very proud to support cultural creators and new media entrepreneurs who enrich our province through their talent and commitment to excellence," said Bruce Lilly, regional manager, Aliant. "Making arts accessible to communities across the region is an important part of the Aliant community investment program and it is an honour to sponsor the New Media Prize."

The prize recognizes works of art that are interactive and illustrate creativity, exploration or presentation using computing and communications technologies. This year the eligibility criteria have been broadened to include projects that adapt existing works for presentation on the Web.

"This is a prestigious award that acknowledges the contributions of new media art," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "We are proud to work with Aliant in bringing this prize to Nova Scotia's arts community."

As in previous years, a prize committee will be assembled to review applications. This committee will include individuals who have strong credentials and experience in the new media and arts.

Last year, the prize was awarded to Halifax new media artist and filmmaker David Clark. Clark's new media work, A is for Apple, will be presented at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, from Jan. 16 to 24. The work can be seen online at www.aisforapple.net .

For more information on the prize contact Nova Scotia Tourism and Culture at 902-424-3422, e-mail: cultaffs@gov.ns.ca or on the Web site at http://www.gov.ns.ca/dtc/culture.html .