Nominations Sought for 2002 Atlantic Canada Craft Awards

TOURISM/CULTURE--Nominations Sought for 2002 Atlantic Canada Craft Awards

Craftspeople from across the Atlantic provinces are invited to make their nominations for the 5th annual Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence to be held in Nova Scotia in February, 2002.

These awards recognize leadership and excellence among craftspeople and supporters of the industry. They are given out at the annual Atlantic Canada Craft Trade Show which is run and organized by the provincial governments of Atlantic Canada. This trade show provides a bridge between retail and wholesale for crafts and giftware producers.

"The Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence plays a significant role as it celebrates crafts and is a great opportunity for individuals to gain recognition and appreciation for their creative talent," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "What's more, it encourages and promotes the craft industry."

The Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence is accepting nominees for awards in Excellence in Product Design, Outstanding Exporter, Outstanding Retailer, and Industry Leader/Supporter.

To be eligible for the Product Design and Outstanding Exporter categories, craftspeople must have their manufacturing operation located in one or more of the Atlantic provinces and be working full-time in the industry.

Any individual, commercial producer, retailer, association, or industry contributor from Atlantic Canada is eligible for the Industry Leader/Supporter award.

In order to be eligible for the Outstanding Retailer award, the nominee must have successfully represented Atlantic Canada's identity in quality crafts, gifts and apparel for more than three years.

People are welcome to nominate themselves for all categories and all nominations should have supporting documentation, such as photographs and letters of support.

"Recipients of the Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence are leaders, who by their professional example, personify the highest standards and credibility within the craft and giftware industry in Atlantic Canada," said Chris Tyler, chair of the 2002 show and manager of Crafts, Design and Publishing Programs with Tourism and Culture. "We recognize outstanding professionals who have achieved prominence as a result of the honour they bring to their industry and region."

Nominations must be received no later than Oct. 19. Those received after the deadline will be entered for the following year's awards.

Nominations should be sent to Chris Tyler, Nova Scotia Department of Tourism and Culture, 1800 Argyle St., P.O. Box 456, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2R5.

Crafts are an integral part of Nova Scotia's economy, providing employment for about 10,000 people, many of whom live in rural areas. They also play a significant part in preserving and promoting Nova Scotia's culture, traditions and quality of life.

For more information, visit the Atlantic Canada Craft Trade Show Web site at http://www.actshow.ca .