Cultural Capital of Canada Featured at Conference

Strengthening communities through arts and cultural development will be the topic of the keynote address at the annual Arts and Culture Conference being held at the DeCoste Centre in Pictou, Oct. 19.

Paul Gallant, chair of the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council, announced today, Sept. 7, that Antoine Landry, the mayor of Caraquet, N.B., has been confirmed as the keynote speaker.

"Caraquet was a single-industry town just 50 years ago," said Mr. Landry, who comes from a large musical family and has been involved for many years in the cultural development of Caraquet. "Today, with the right focus and investment, it has become a community brimming with social, tourism, economic and cultural activities."

Caraquet's cultural commitment is exemplary for a town of fewer than 5,000 residents. In New Brunswick, it is considered a role model both as a centre for Acadian culture and as an artistically vibrant community, and in 2003, Canadian Heritage awarded it the distinction of Cultural Capital of Canada.

"It is an incredible story that demonstrates the importance of arts and culture to the well-being of our communities," said Mr. Gallant. "We hope it will inspire representatives from Nova Scotia's arts and culture sector to continue developing, fostering and promoting arts and culture in their communities."

The Arts and Culture Conference and Awards Gala, hosted by the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council, will also feature a number of panelists and presenters. Anyone interested in attending is urged to register right away, as space is limited and filling up quickly.

The awards gala, which will celebrate and support the pursuit of excellence, innovation and artistic expression by Nova Scotia artists, will include the presentation of the Portia White Prize, Aliant New Media Prize and Prix Grand-Pré Prize. The deadline for submitting nominations for the Portia White Prize and applications for the Aliant New Media Prize is Friday, Sept. 15.

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.