FOR RELEASE     #05-002
January 7, 2005

WHITEHORSE - Emerging Yukon artists are invited to apply to the National Artist Program (NAP) that will bring together 52 young Canadian artists and creative athletes with 10 professional Saskatchewan artists to collaborate in a two-week mentorship residency as part of the 2005 Canada Summer Games.

Each province and territory will be selecting a team through a peer assessment process which will consist of three artists who collectively represent a variety of art disciplines and a creative athlete incorporating artistic elements into their sport.

The games will be held Aug. 6 - 20 in Regina, Saskatchewan. The program will culminate in a professionally designed and directed gala evening at the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts.

Eligibility criteria:

• Artists 17-23 years as of Dec. 31, 2005.
• Available to participate in the games in Regina, Aug. 6 - 20.
• Active in the literary, visual, dance, theatre, music, traditional cultural/folk disciplines, new media-film/video, circus arts, or creative athletes such as synchronized swimmers, gymnasts or divers.
• Demonstrated excellence, peer recognition and a commitment to an arts or creative athletic practice.

"We are excited to help Team Yukon recruit young artists for the National Artist Program," Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor said. "I encourage emerging Yukon artists to apply for this unique opportunity to develop as artists and to collaborate with their peers from across Canada."

The application deadline is Jan. 30. Application packages may be picked up from Cultural Services Branch, 100 Hanson Street, Whitehorse, or by calling the Department of Tourism and Culture.

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