FOR RELEASE     #09-285
December 11, 2009

WHITEHORSE – The Department of Tourism and Culture’s Arts Fund is providing $76,000 to six community organizations to deliver diverse arts programming.

“The creative community is constantly developing new and exciting projects in the performing, visual and literary arts,” Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor said. “From traditional First Nations art workshops to house concerts to public celebrations of the seasons, the projects we support through the Arts Fund will provide training, animate communities and encourage public participation in the arts.”

With assistance from the Arts Fund, the Northern Lights School of Dance (NLSD) is taking their annual holiday crowd-pleaser, The Nutcracker, on the road. This enchanting fairy tale, which has delighted Whitehorse audiences for years, will also tour to Dawson City and Carmacks.

“Our Nutcracker has become a Christmas must-see tradition with its professional choreography, gorgeous costumes, sets and lighting design, and an undeniable passion for dance that runs through our dancers,” NLSD artistic director Deborah Lemaire said. “Without The Nutcracker the holiday season would not be the same. It is only with the support of the Arts Fund that our dancers can share this magical journey with the families of Dawson.”

Also benefiting from the Arts Fund is the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, which will offer a series of workshops to citizens. Professional artists from the Kwanlin Dün community will be hired to teach classes in beading, paper tolling, and in making vests and babiche bags.

“It is with great pleasure that we receive the necessary funds to teach our people the importance of culture and traditions through the arts program,” Kwanlin Dün First Nation Wellness Coordinator Nyla Klugie said. “The Kwanlin Dün Arts and Knowledge program will be a great success in our community. We are looking forward to learning from the skilled artists in the community.”

The Arts Fund is an applicant-driven funding program that supports artists and communities with creative endeavours such as festivals, events, training and art creation in all disciplines. The fund is adjudicated four times per year by the Yukon Arts Advisory Council in an arms-length process.

The next deadline for Arts Fund applications is December 15. Applicants are encouraged to consult the fund administrator before applying by phoning 667-3535 or toll-free within Yukon at 1-800-661-0408, extension 3535 or emailing artsfund@gov.yk.ca.

For further information, visit the Tourism and Culture website at www.tc.gov.yk.ca.

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Arts Fund Recipients from the September 15, 2009 Intake