News release

Minister Announces Prix-Grand Pré Nominees

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

Four Acadian artists from Nova Scotia have been nominated for the 2006 Prix Grand-Pre, which will be presented at the Creative Nova Scotia conference and awards gala being held at the deCoste Centre in Pictou on Thursday, Oct. 19.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Len Goucher announced the names of the nominees today, Oct. 13, and will present the award at the highly anticipated event.

"I would like to congratulate the outstanding artists from our Acadian community who have been recognized for their important work," said Mr. Goucher. "I look forward to celebrating their achievements, along with those of many other artists, at the event next week."

The Prix Grand-Pre is an annual award that was established in 1987 to recognize Nova Scotian artists whose work reflects Acadian cultural values and traditions, while demonstrating excellence and originality. This year a literary artist will be honoured.

The nominees for the 2006 Grand-Pré Prize are:

  • Germaine Comeau and Jean-Louise Robichaud, who spearheaded and edited Courir la mer, Visages de l'Acadie contemporaine.

  • Martine Jacquot, poet and author, whose most recent novel, Au Gré de vent..., is an epic about 19th century Acadian life.

  • Alian Raimbault, poet and author, whose Herménégilde l'Acadien, a work for young adults, is part of the New Brunswick school curriculum.

  • Marie-Colombe Robichaud, who has researched and recorded in writing the rich oral traditions of the Acadian people over many years.

In addition to the Prix Grand-Pre, the Masterwork Award, Portia White Prize and Aliant New Media Prize will also be presented at the awards gala. Members of the arts and culture community interested in attending the event are urged to register immediately, as space is limited.

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. For more information on the Prix Grand-Pre, see www.gov.ns.ca/dtc .