Exhibition Celebrates Art Bank Purchases

NOTE: Information on the artists added to the art bank are available at www.gov.ns.ca/tch/culture_funding.asp .

Adding the works of 23 local artists and craftspeople to the Nova Scotia Art Bank collection today, Oct. 6, will enhance Nova Scotia's artistic heritage.

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson paid tribute to the artists as he opened an exhibit of the work at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design in Sydney. The exhibit is open to the public until Nov. 10.

"Nova Scotians are proud of the creative excellence our artists bring to life in their work," said Mr. Wilson. "With these latest additions to the Nova Scotia Art Bank, we are celebrating our very best artistic traditions and the contributions of arts and culture to making life better for families in every region of the province."

The Sydney exhibit is the first time purchases have been debuted in Cape Breton. It features work from a wide range of media, including visual art, textiles and sculpture.

"We are delighted that the 2011 Nova Scotia Art Bank Exhibition is being launched at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, providing our local community with the chance to experience the works included in the provincial collection here at home," said Carol Beaton, executive director of the centre. "It is also an opportunity for Cape Breton artisans to learn more about the Nova Scotia Art Bank program and the potential it may present for their careers."

Established in 1975, the Nova Scotia Art Bank has supported the careers of local artists for more than 30 years. Works are added annually to the collection, based on recommendations from a jury of artists. Today, the collection consists of almost 1,800 pieces of art, which are displayed in government offices throughout the province.

Applications for the 2011-12 Art Bank Purchase Program will be accepted until Jan. 15. More information about the latest additions to the art bank and the application process is available at www.gov.ns.ca/tch/culture_funding.asp .