Investing in Halifax Regional Municipality's Culture

TOURISM, CULTURE AND HERITAGE--Investing in Halifax Regional Municipality's Culture

The Nova Scotia government is investing $77,200 in performers, literature, and marketing in Halifax Regional Municipality as part of its ongoing support for the province's arts and culture industry.

"This investment helps individuals and groups fund special projects that encourage growth in the arts and culture sector in Nova Scotia," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "Each year, our department invests more than $5 million in cultural programs."

Jeff Reilly, of the locally based music and arts group Sanctuary, said an investment of $8,000 will be used to market the group through tours and promotional material to help provide needed exposure.

"This investment will help us expand nationally and internationally, making a name for ourselves and promoting our province," Mr. Reilly said.

The latest round of investments from the department's Industries Growth Program involves $256,465 for 38 organizations across Nova Scotia. Successful applicants for this program require an evaluation of the achievement of their projects.

The Industries Growth Program provides $450,000 a year to support projects that enhance out-of-province sales of Nova Scotia's cultural products. It also supports the improvement of technical and export capabilities and expands market opportunities and revenues.

NOTE: Following is a list of Halifax Regional Municipality recipients for latest investments through the Industries Growth Program. For a full provincial list contact the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

Artcan Open Studios Society: $7,500 -- to develop a feasibility study and business plan

Bucket Truck Productions/Silenced Media/Santana Productions & Entertainment: $8,000 -- to tour Sweden for 10 days

Dave Gunning/Wee House of Music/Riverfront Studios: $4,000

• to showcase Dave Gunning at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance, New York

ESP Productions/Creative Intelligence Group/Gillette Entertainment Group: $5,000 -- to bid event management services for the revitalization of the Hong Kong tourism industry

Gerrior Family Organization of Nova Scotia/Port Royal Publishing/Glen Margaret Publishing: $7,500

• to market the five book series Acadian Awakenings, Routes and Roots and International Links

Gun Records Inc/Jefter Publishing/TK Productions Ltd.: $8,000

• to market the musical/theatrical production, "A Pittance of Time" in Ottawa

Halifax Art Map: $5,000 -- to publish the 2004 Halifax Art Map

Halifax Pop Explosion: $4,000 -- to expand the Halifax Pop Explosion

• Lennart Krogoll & Associates/Charlie A'Court/Life-line Entertainment: $9,000
• to tour Charlie A'Court with Procul Harum in Germany

Moving Images Group: $3,200 -- to produce two workshops designed to prepare film and television projects for market readiness

Pier 21 Society: $8,000 -- to showcase Nova Scotia musicians at the Pier 21 national fundraising gala

Sanctuary/Latitude 45/Pelleas Distribution: $8,000

• to position Sanctuary, nationally and internationally, as a professional recording and touring ensemble