ST. JOHN’S (NL) – November 8, 2010 – The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), will provide an investment of $337,500 to assist the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador Inc. to continue to deliver its Craft Industry Development Program.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, during the Minister’s visit to the Craft Council’s Devon House Gallery and studio in St. John’s.
“Our government is pleased to make this investment in the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Ashfield. “ACOA has had a long association with the Council in the province. The Government of Canada, through the Agency has provided more than $4.4 million to assist the Council’s work in the development of the craft industry sector. We recognize the important contribution the industry makes to the economy and we support the Council’s important work in skills and product development; in marketing and the continued development of the craft sector.”
The Craft Industry Development Program provides artisans and businesses involved in the craft sector with professional support to undertake skills development, product research, product expansion, market development, and sector development initiatives.
“The Craft Industry Development Program also provides us with the ability to engage the services of specialized expertise to assist the industry in enhancing its competitiveness, increasing its production and sales, undertake cooperative marketing initiatives and encourage cooperation in the development and expansion of the industry throughout the province,” said Anne Manuel, executive director of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Founded in 1972 as the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Development Association, the Craft Council has worked diligently over those years to assist the expansion of the craft industry. The Council supports and promotes a high standard of excellence in craft production and service to members and the general public. Programs and services are varied and one of the major highlights of the Craft Council year is the Christmas Craft Fairs held throughout the province.
The annual Christmas Craft Fair for the eastern portion of the province will be held at the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John’s from November 11-14 and again between November 18-21. As well this year the Craft Council will hold a West Coast Craft Show at Marble Mountain in Steady Brook from November 26-28. With a focus on craftspeople from the region, the West Coast Fair will bring together a special collection of makers and products. Visiting craftspeople from other parts of the province will add to the variety of work available at this retail event.
ACOA’s investment is through the Business Development Program (BDP).
FOR BROADCAST USE:
ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield made a visit to the Devon House Craft Centre today to announce an investment of $337,500 to assist the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador in the delivery of its Craft Industry Development Program throughout the province.
The Craft Industry Development Program provides businesses involved in the craft sector with professional support to undertake professional skills development, product research and development, product expansion, market development, cooperative products and sector development initiatives.
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Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA-NL
709-772-2935
Anne Morris
Executive Director
Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-753-2749
