Registration Open for Creative Nova Scotia Conference

Members of the arts and culture community are encouraged to register for the second annual Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala and Conference being held on Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Membertou.

Paul Gallant, chair of the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council, announced today, Sept. 25, the theme for this year's conference.

"This year's event will explore and celebrate artistic connection by looking at new and different ways in which artists and arts organizations can connect with one another and the world," said Mr. Gallant.

The full-day conference will include workshops, a keynote-speaker address, a plenary session and an opportunity to network with artists, cultural producers, arts and culture organizations, the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council and government representatives.

Conference participants will choose which two of five workshops they would like to attend in the morning. Each workshop covers a different aspect of artistic connections.

Connecting Locally will look at the role community arts councils play in contributing to community cultural development.

Connecting Provincially will examine the value of provincial service and member organizations in the culture sector.

Connecting Globally will explore strategies for succeeding in the global market.

Connecting With Diverse Cultures will examine the impact of cultural background on the work of Nova Scotia artists and cultural producers.

Connecting Economically will look at how members of the culture sector can make a living in the arts, from opportunities for funding to steps for becoming market-ready.

The plenary session in the afternoon will build upon the workshops and offer participants a chance to engage in discussion around the current work and future priorities of the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council.

After the conference, participants will attend a reception hosted by the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design to celebrate the official opening of their new facility in downtown Sydney.

Participants will return to the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre for the formal awards gala and dinner, which will be hosted by former CBC Radio broadcaster Ian McNeil and feature mainly Cape Breton artists. More than $70,000 in awards will be presented during the evening, including the Portia White Prize, the Prix Grand-Pré, the new Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award and the new Established Artist Recognition Awards.

To register or for more information on the Awards Gala and Conference, see the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council website.

The Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council was established in 2003. In consultation with the arts and culture sector, it provides advice and recommendations to guide the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage regarding ongoing investment in Nova Scotia's artists, cultural industries and cultural activities.