Nova Scotia Artists Shine in Vancouver

Nova Scotia artists and musicians are taking the world by storm at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Nova Scotia's unique qualities in culinary delights, performers, artists and artisans are on display at the Atlantic Canada House pavilion, a joint effort by the Atlantic provinces and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The pavilion is offering a sampling of the wonders of the East Coast, promoting Nova Scotia as a great place to work, live and play.

"The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games is a great way to showcase some of Nova Scotia's best artists and musicians and to show what Nova Scotia has to offer," said Premier Darrell Dexter."

Since its doors opened Saturday, Feb. 13, thousands of guests have visited Atlantic Canada House on Granville Island. Guests, many willingly waiting for more than two hours in long line ups, have enjoyed a taste of what Atlantic Canada is all about.

Atlantic Canada House has been ranked one of the three must-see Olympic pavilions by Vancouver Magazine and mentioned as the best provincial house in the Globe and Mail.

There are several Nova Scotia Acts performing at the Vancouver Olympics, including DRUM, Sloan, Grand Derangement, George Canyon, Zydeco and Blou. Cape Breton native Ashley MacIsaac performed at the Opening ceremonies with more than 60,000 people in attendance.

"To perform our music in front of 5,000 fans last night was amazing," said Daniel LeBlanc of Grand Derangement. "The Olympic vibe is surreal, and having a chance to share it here with the world makes me proud to be from Nova Scotia."

Guests of Atlantic Canada House have been amazed by the dishes that the province's newest generation of talented chefs can create with Nova Scotia ingredients. The province's cultural cuisine will be served up in Vancouver by students from Nova Scotia Community College's Sobeys Culinary Centres, under the direction of NSCC chef instructor Peter Dewar.

Also, more than 23 acts totalling 110 Nova Scotian performers, plus artists and artisans are exhibiting their work at the Olympics as part of the Cultural Olympiad. They include Joel Plaskett, the Trews, Buck 65, and Bruce Ewert, the owner and winemaker of L'Acadie Vineyards.

"This event was a great opportunity to showcase Nova Scotia wines and our traditional method sparkling wines to British Columbia and the world," said Mr. Ewert. "Having been a sparkling wine maker from British Columbia, I am especially proud to be able to reconnect with wine writers and media and turn their heads to what we are doing in Nova Scotia.

"We have ideal growing conditions for our styles and the rest of Canada is noticing."

Nova Scotia Day is also being celebrated here at home, with a celebration in Halifax's Grand Parade and free access to Canada Games venues in recognition of the one-year countdown to the 2011 Canada Games. Schools around HRM are organizing activity days to celebrate the Olympics and the countdown to the 2011 Canada Games.

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