ArtsLink NB fuels growth through CATAPULT program
News release
February 21, 2024 · Saint John, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canada’s arts and culture organizations are making a big impact on the local economy, creating jobs and boosting tourism. To encourage entrepreneurship and innovation within the arts sector, the Government of Canada is investing in the Interdisciplinary Arts Association of New Brunswick Inc. (ArtsLink NB).
Today, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay, announced a federal contribution of $92,000 for ArtsLink NB through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The Honourable Greg Turner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour and Minister Responsible for Immigration also announced a contribution of $50,000 on behalf of the Province of New Brunswick.
This support is helping ArtsLink NB deliver its CATAPULT Arts Accelerator, an intensive eight-week program that aims to increase the number of New Brunswick artists and entrepreneurs through skills development, mentorship, and networking events.
Today’s announcement highlights how the Government of Canada is contributing to Atlantic Canada’s momentum by strengthening our communities, creating new opportunities, and setting the stage for a strong, sustainable future.
Quotes
“Organizations like ArtsLink NB are boosting our economy by giving local artists the tools, know-how, and support they need for long-lasting, prosperous careers. Through projects like this one, your federal government is committed to helping communities and artists thrive and flourish – and that’s good news for everyone.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“I am so pleased that ACOA is supporting the arts sector with projects like this one. By providing our artists with the education and resources they require to pursue long-term careers, we are contributing to a robust and competitive local economy in New Brunswick.”
- Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John - Rothesay
“The Arts and Culture sector gives life to our province and helps to inspire a sense of pride in our communities. This sector is boosting tourism and our economy, and we are proud to support this program that continues to elevate innovation and entrepreneurship.”
- The Honourable Greg Turner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
"ArtsLink NB was founded in 2009 as a resource organization for arts professionals in New Brunswick. Part of that work was to contextualize for government, the public, and the arts sector itself, the value that arts and culture bring to the province’s health and vibrancy, and the contributions of arts and culture to economic growth. The endorsement and backing of our CATAPULT Arts Accelerator by both federal and provincial governments underscore the collective acknowledgment of the indispensable role artists play in shaping the cultural landscape of New Brunswick.”
- Julie Whitenect, Executive Director, ArtsLink NB
Quick facts
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The Interdisciplinary Arts Association of New Brunswick Inc. (ArtsLink NB) is a member-based arts service organization founded in 2009 to advance the arts in New Brunswick by linking and unifying artists and arts organizations and promoting their value. The organization represents New Brunswick artists of all disciplines from across the province.
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Established in 2014, the CATAPULT Arts Accelerator has graduated more than 100 entrepreneurs, providing artists with the necessary skills to build sustainable careers.
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ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program aims to create the right conditions to start and grow businesses in Atlantic Canada and help businesses and non-profit organizations develop a strong, dynamic, and inclusive economy.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Emilie Williams
Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Emilie.Williams@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Paul Bradley
Communications
Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (PETL)
paul.bradley@gnb.ca
Josh Graham
Communications Coordinator
ArtsLink NB
josh@artslinknb.com
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