Program to Support Diverse Artists

COMMUNITIES, CULTURE AND HERITAGE--Program to Support Diverse Artists

• ---------------------------------------------------------------Nova Scotia's diverse artists now have a program that will recognize, celebrate and support their contributions to arts and culture and the creative economy.

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister, Leonard Preyra joined Louise Profeit-LeBlanc of the Canada Council for the Arts, Candace Stevenson, chair of Arts Nova Scotia and members of the province's diverse creative community to launch the Arts Equity Fund Program today, June 24.

"Honouring and supporting all aspects of our diverse culture and heritage leads to a strong and vibrant province," said Mr. Preyra. "This program will give artists who have faced barriers in the past an opportunity to access funding that will help them develop as artists and as contributors to the province's growing arts and culture sector and the creative economy."

The designated communities of artists that will benefit from the program include Aboriginal, culturally diverse, artists with disabilities or are living with mental illness.

"The Canada Council for the Arts is committed to ensuring that these artists have equitable access to public funding support," said Robert Sirman, director and CEO. "This partnership reflects that commitment and offers an opportunity for artists to create new work, further their careers and celebrate the depth of creativity throughout the province."

The fund is $450,000 over three years, with the province and the Canada Council each contributing $75,000 annually. The program will support artists in the areas of creation, production, professional development and funding for special travel. It will be managed by Arts Nova Scotia.

"Working with members of this under-served community to develop this program, has been an inspiring and productive collaboration," said Ms. Stevenson. "Now we are pleased to be able to actually launch it and to furthering the work of these professional artists through funding support."

The event was held at the Alderney Landing Theatre in Dartmouth and featured performances and visual art from culturally diverse artists.

For information, contact Enrique Ferreol, program officer at 902-424-6472 or ferreoen@gov.ns.ca .