Artists and Culture Industry Representatives Joining Second Culture Trade Mission

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine is leading a second culture trade mission to China and Japan, April 23 – May 4. The trip will also include stops in Germany and England.

“Nova Scotia is home to a growing and diverse creative industry,” said Mr. Glavine. “This second mission will focus more specifically on export opportunities in areas such as publishing, craft and the visual arts.”

Five Nova Scotia contemporary artists will join the China portion of the mission to showcase their works of art alongside folk artist Maud Lewis in an exhibition titled, Terroir: A Nova Scotia Landscape, at China’s Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou, Coast Art Museum in Zhuhai and Hexiangning Art Museum in Shenzhen.

Artists include:

• Sarah Maloney, Elmsdale
• Charley Young, Bedford
• Frances Dorsey, Halifax
• Anne MacMillan, Halifax
• Melanie Colosimo, Halifax

The works of art by Ursula Johnson of South Brookfield, Colchester Co., will also be showcased at the exhibition.

“Nova Scotia is proud to share the extraordinary works of contemporary female artists with the people of China,” said Mr. Glavine. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration for many years to come.”

Sarah Fillmore, chief curator and deputy of programs, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and Melanie Colosimo of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design will be joining the artists in China.

“Nova Scotia culture and the talent in our region is unmatched,” said Ms. Fillmore. “Being able to showcase these contemporary artists on an international stage is an extraordinary accomplishment for the province.”

Culture industry representatives participating in the mission include:

• Bernard Burton of the Craft Alliance Atlantic Association, Halifax
• Deborah Carver of Studio 21 Fine Art Gallery, Halifax
• Jim Morrow of Mermaid Theatre, Windsor
• John Merchant of the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association, Halifax
• Nancy Noble of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax

“Our experience in promoting contemporary Nova Scotia artists both nationally and abroad tells us their work is globally competitive,” said Deborah Carver, director of Studio 21 Fine Art. “Through participation in this mission, we are looking for entry points for local artists into the markets of Japan, China, Germany and England.”

Driving awareness and economic growth of the culture sector is a key component of Nova Scotia’s Culture Action Plan: http://novascotia.ca/culture .