News release

Speakers Announced for Arts and Culture Conference

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

Members of the arts and culture sector will not want to miss the line-up of speakers planned for the arts and culture conference and awards gala being held at the DeCoste Centre in Pictou on Thursday, Oct. 19.

Paul Gallant, chair of the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council, announced today, Oct. 10, the names of five panelists who will be speaking about the importance of arts and culture and how it links with other sectors of Nova Scotia's economy.

"The Creative Nova Scotia conference and awards gala will provide a unique opportunity for artists and cultural organizations to learn, share and celebrate initiatives and excellence which will further strengthen the arts and culture sector in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Gallant.

The conference, which will take place in the afternoon, will feature keynote speaker Antoine Landry, mayor of Caraquet, N.B. Mr. Landry, who has been involved in cultural development for many years, will talk about how Caraquet was transformed from a single-industry town to a cultural capital of Canada with the right focus and investment.

The session will also include a panel presentation by five respected professionals in the fields of health, education, justice, community development and tourism. Ron Stewart, Hal Theriault, Eric Favaro, Chris Bryant and Ron MacInnis will each talk about the important role arts and culture plays in their sectors, now and in the future.

Dr. Stewart, director of the medical humanities program at Dalhousie University, will speak about the ties between music and health.

Dr. Favaro, an arts educator from Cape Breton, will speak about the importance of arts and culture to education.

Mr. Theriault, director of the Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Centre, will speak about the important relationship between culture and justice.

Mr. Bryant, director with the Office of Economic Development, will talk about the role of arts and culture in community development.

Mr. MacInnis, owner and operator of Oceanstone Inn and Cottages, will share his knowledge and experience on the links between culture and tourism.

These panelists will illustrate how different sectors can work together to develop and promote arts and culture in Nova Scotia. The panel presentation will be followed by a discussion among panel members and conference delegates, which will provide an excellent learning and networking opportunity for all participants.

Following the conference, an awards gala will be held in the evening to celebrate and support the pursuit of excellence, innovation and artistic expression by Nova Scotia artists. This will include the presentation of the Portia White Prize, Aliant New Media Prize, Prix Grand-Pré and a prestigious new arts award.

With less than two weeks to go before the event and space filling up quickly, members of the arts and culture community are urged to register right away to avoid disappointment.

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.