HALIFAX, January 15, 2009 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today toured the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and announced funding to this gateway to the arts for Atlantic Canada.
"The Government of Canada recognizes that arts organizations contribute to quality of life, provide opportunities for artists to express their creativity, and strengthen local economies. We are pleased to support organizations--like the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia?that are committed to the arts," said Minister Moore. "This investment is helping make our communities stronger and more vibrant."
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is accumulating a substantial art collection and giving first-hand access to art objects considered to be of lasting value. The Gallery, through its mentoring, teaching, and internship programs, also assists the development of emerging young professionals: educators, curators, museum professionals, as well as artists. By providing programs and learning opportunities of international calibre and renown, it contributes to Nova Scotia's reputation as a vibrant community committed to artistic excellence.
"Building and preserving our collection is the most important thing that the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia does," said Ray Cronin, the Gallery's Director and CEO. "This funding from Canadian Heritage makes a direct contribution to that."
"The Government of Canada has been pleased to partner with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on the purchase of several works over the last several years," continued Minister Moore. "I am proud that the Government of Canada helped to bring Margaret Campbell Macpherson's The Shrimpers back from England to Nova Scotia, where it belongs."
The Government of Canada has provided the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia with a contribution of $50,000 to help it continue to meet professional storage standards. The funding is provided through the Cultural Spaces Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program contributes to improved physical conditions for artistic creativity and presentation or exhibition. It is designed to improve access for Canadians to the performing, visual, and media arts, as well as to museum collections and heritage exhibitions.
Funding of $12,500 for The Shrimpers is provided through Canadian Heritage's Movable Property program. In order to better ensure the preservation in Canada of significant examples of our cultural, historic, and scientific heritage, the Government of Canada enacted legislation to prevent the uncontrolled export of such cultural property.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Claudine Daigle
Director
Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506 851-3980
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
