Nova Scotia Artists To Show In Nation's Capital

More than 100 Nova Scotia artists will strut their stuff in Ottawa this spring as part of the National Arts Centre's Atlantic Scene Festival.

Artists from across Atlantic Canada have been invited to the nation's capital to share their music, theatre, dance, comedy, film and literature with a national audience. The festival runs from April 22 to May 4 and will also feature some of the region's best visual and culinary arts.

"This event is a great opportunity for our artists to gain national exposure," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "The province is proud to support Atlantic Scene because it's an event that has business potential for our artists and tourism potential for all Nova Scotians."

Atlantic Scene will present 85 events in venues across the Ottawa region. Nova Scotia will be represented by artists such as Natalie MacMaster, George Elliott Clarke, Blou, Symphony Nova Scotia, Two Planks and a Passion Theatre and many more.

"It's nice to see a broader spectrum of cultures and genres represented at this festival," said Mary Jane Lamond, Gaelic singer and performer who resides in Cape Breton. "We have tremendous cultural diversity in Nova Scotia and it's a good thing to promote all of our cultures."

Gwen Noah of Gwen Noah Dance in Halifax is thrilled about her upcoming performance. "It's a wonderful opportunity to be presenting our work in Ottawa at the National Arts Centre. For me it's really exciting because one of my first big gigs was in Ottawa dancing with Julie West before I came to Halifax to open Gwen Noah Dance, and it's nice to be going back."

The Department of Tourism and Culture contributed $25,000 to the festival.

"From a business perspective, Atlantic Scene gives all Nova Scotian artists a chance to develop stronger markets in central Canada," said Acadian singer, songwriter Ron Bourgeois. "And I think we need more of that."

A production of the National Arts Centre, Atlantic Scene is the first in a series of biennial festivals focusing on the outstanding talent unique to each region of Canada. For more information on Atlantic Scene visit the Web site at www.atlanticscene.ca .

For a complete list of Nova Scotia participants visit the Tourism and Culture Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc/culture.html .