FOR RELEASE     #08-288
November 18, 2008

WHITEHORSE – Three recipients of the Touring Artist Fund will share $30,000 in funding to assist in promoting themselves outside Yukon and furthering their professional development, announced Minister of Tourism and Culture Elaine Taylor.

“Performance by and exposure of Yukon artists to wider audiences is an important aspect toward the development of Yukon’s art community and the growth of Yukon’s economy,” Taylor said. “The Government of Yukon is pleased to provide funding to assist in the growth of these talented artists.”

The $100,000 Touring Artist Fund established earlier this year assists professional artists and ensembles who create and produce original work with the intention of expanding their scope to reach new audiences. This funding allows them to amplify their exposure to national and international levels. It is an applicant-driven funding program that is adjudicated four times a year by the Yukon Arts Advisory Council in an arms-length process. Three projects were adjudicated for the September 2008 intake, with requests totalling more than $40,000 in funding.

One recipient, Sour Brides Theatre, received $10,000 to help with travel and production costs to present So Many Doors in Ontario and New Brunswick for a total of seven shows in January and February 2009.

"We're so lucky to have the Touring Artist Fund," Celia McBride, the play's author said. "It's really been a boon to Yukon’s cultural industries and to Yukon artists like us who have a touring mandate."

The next deadline for the Touring Artist Fund is December 15, 2008.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the Fund Administrator before applying. Telephone: 867 667–3535, toll free at 1-800-661-0408 ext. 3535. Email: artsfund@gov.yk.ca

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List of recipients attached:

    
 TOURING ARTIST FUND RECIPIENTS – SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 INTAKE