WHITEHORSE – The first six recipients of the Touring Artist Fund will share $23,460 to assist them with their professional development and enable them to promote themselves outside Yukon, announced Minister of Tourism and Culture Elaine Taylor.
“The arts play an important role in Yukon’s economic and social growth,” Taylor said. “By supporting our visual, performing and literary artists through the Touring Artist Fund, we are able to share Yukon’s thriving talent beyond our borders.”
The Touring Artist Fund is targeted toward artists and ensembles who create and produce original work with the intention of reaching new audiences both nationally and internationally.
The $568,000 increase in arts funding announced in 2007 supports three primary initiatives, including funds to sustain the operational requirements of established arts organizations, enhancement of the Artist in the School program, and the new Touring Artist Fund.
Nicole Edwards, one of the first Touring Artist Fund recipients, said the program will help her group with expenses that would have otherwise caused them financial strain.
“We are looking forward to connecting with our Alaskan neighbours and sharing our artistic vision with them,” Edwards said. “Given that performing in the U.S. requires a work visa and other costs, this Touring Artist Fund support allows the jazz ensemble to make the trip without worrying about finances. We can concentrate on the trip and the cultural and artistic benefits we’ll all enjoy.”
The next deadline for the Touring Artist Fund is June 15, 2008.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the Fund Administrator before applying.
For more information telephone (867) 667–3535 or toll free at 1-800-661-0408 ext. 3535 or email artsfund@gov.yk.ca.
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List of recipients below.
| Contact: | |
| Matthew Grant Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7961 matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca |
Karen Keeley Communications, Tourism and Culture (867) 667-8304 mailto:667-8304karen.keeley@gov.yk.ca |
TOURING ARTIST FUND RECIPIENTS – MARCH 15, 2008, INTAKE
Emma Barr receives $5,100 to exhibit a new body of work in the Laurier Gallery in Toronto, Ontario. This will allow her to promote her artwork in a new and larger market.
Nicole Edwards receives $1,960 for the Nicole Edwards Jazz Ensemble to perform in Haines, Alaska. This will allow her to promote a recent CD released in the Alaskan market.
Eleanor Millard receives $500 to attend the Great Northern Arts Festival in Northwest Territories where she will offer readings and workshops.
Sheila Alexandrovich receives $900 to take Explorations in Felt Vessels and Wands to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, an exhibition including an artist demonstration and workshop.
Hungry Hill receives $5,000 toward their 2008 summer tour to parts of Canada and Europe to promote the band and their new CD.
Sour Brides Theatre receives $10,000 to tour So Many Doors to the Magnetic North Festival, Canada’s National Festival of contemporary Canadian Theatre in English.
TOTAL: $23,460