Province Makes Culture Funding Programs More Accessible

TOURISM/CULTURE--Province Makes Culture Funding Programs More Accessible

Nova Scotia's Department of Tourism and Culture is making its programs more accessible to cultural organizations throughout the province.

The changes are designed to strengthen cultural activities throughout Nova Scotia and to help increase the province's cultural exports.

The new approach is in response to community concerns about how funding decisions were made in the past. Many organizations were unable to participate in programs aided by the Cultural Affairs Division because support was given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Now, organizations will participate in an open and competitive application process, with deadlines established for all programs.

Decisions on funding will be based on priorities set by communities and the culture sector itself, with new advisory committees to guide decision-making.

"This sector continues to experience tremendous growth, and that calls for new approaches in how government interacts with and supports the priorities of the sector today," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "Ultimately, these changes will ensure that regions throughout the province have a say in how planning and spending decisions are made. At the same time, we're ensuring greater accountability for the money government invests on behalf of Nova Scotians."

Five program areas have been identified to support: youth, activities, organizations, industries and facilities.

Efforts have also been made to clarify and simplify the application process and the criteria on which investment decisions are made.

"The Nova Scotia Cultural Network welcomes any changes that make government programs more open, accountable, and responsive to the community," says the network's executive director, Andrew Terris. "From what we know thus far, the restructuring of the Culture Division is a landmark initiative that will go a long way towards achieving these goals."

Provincial funds to assist cultural activities are not changing. About $6 million remains dedicated to the Culture Division on an annual basis.

"Through this open application process, we will be ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to bring forward their ideas and projects for consideration," said Russ Kelley, executive director with the department's Culture Division. "Through our new program areas, we'll be in a better position to assist community cultural development and support industry growth."

The department is working on plans to host a series of information sessions around the province to review this new approach to programming and to share information on application processes and deadlines.

In the meantime, organizations are encouraged to visit the department's Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc or to contact Russ Kelley, executive director of the Culture Division, at 902-424- 6471 or via e-mail: <[email protected].>