News release

Reception Celebrates Opening of Centre for Craft and Design

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

Cape Breton artists and craftspeople will have much to celebrate on Thursday, Oct. 18, as the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design marks the official opening of its new facility in conjunction with the Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala and Conference.

The centre will host a reception before the awards gala and has invited conference participants to attend and experience the new facility first-hand.

"This incredible new facility is a reflection of the thriving arts and culture sector in Cape Breton," said Paul Gallant, chair of the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council, which is hosting the Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala and Conference. "It's a prime example of why we chose to host this year's awards gala and conference on the island."

Located at 322 Charlotte St., Sydney, the Centre for Craft and Design's vibrant facility provides a fitting showcase for some of Cape Breton's most exceptional arts and crafts. The centre also houses several state-of-the-art workshops and studios for both professional and recreational craftspeople.

"The centre's new facility will help establish the island as a region rich in history, culture and artistic talent," said Eric Favaro, chair of the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design's board of directors. "It reaffirms the importance of the craft sector to the Island’s culture and economy."

Cape Breton is home to some of the most accomplished – as well as most promising – artists and craftspeople on the East Coast. Through education and training programs, the centre is committed to supporting the development of both recreational craftspeople and accomplished professionals by preserving, elevating, expanding and enhancing the creation of craft in Cape Breton.

The second annual Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala and Conference will be held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Membertou. The event will include workshops, a keynote speaker address, a plenary session and an opportunity to network with members of the arts and culture community.

For more information on the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design and the services it provides, see the website at www.capebretoncraft.com .

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 .