GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS NEW VISUAL ARTS INITIATIVE
09 Aug 2010
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced a Government of Canada investment in Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural industries sector with a commitment of $70,000 to help the Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation develop Art Ex, a new visual arts initiative for the region.
“Vibrant cultural industries play a key role in Atlantic Canada’s economy,” said Minister Ashfield. “Our Government’s investment in Art Ex will support development of the visual arts community in the Exploits Valley region, enhance economic activity and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Art Ex is an innovative, three-day visual arts celebration. It is scheduled to run from August 6-8, 2010 and will offer introductory and advanced workshops for visual artists; networking opportunities for participants; interactive art interventions and collaborative community-based art events. The EVEDC will build on the 2010 exhibition with a number of regional events culminating in a second Art Ex scheduled for August 2011.
“Our goal with Art Ex is to create a valuable experience for artists and art enthusiasts in the Exploits Valley region and around the province,” said EVEDC Chair, Cyril Langdon. “By providing professional development workshops for those in the industry as well as community events to increase awareness of the arts, we believe Art Ex will become a significant and sustainable cultural attraction for the region. We are already anticipating that Art Ex 2011 will be even bigger and we look forward to it becoming an anchor visual arts experience in the region – maybe even the province.”
This Government of Canada investment will support the planning and organization of Art Ex throughout 2010 and 2011. ACOA funding is provided through the Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
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FOR BROADCAST USE:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Joanne Sullivan
Executive Director
Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation
709-489-8700
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