Games Legacy Supports the Arts
Emerging Nova Scotian artists will benefit from the Canada Games legacy for years to come.
The Halifax 2011 Canada Games Host Society announced today, March 21, that it will contribute $200,000 in award funding to the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and awards to Nova Scotians who demonstrate exceptional potential and commitment to becoming established artists in their chosen fields.
"The 2011 Halifax Canada Games celebrated the drive and excellence of both young athletes and artists," said Julia Rivard, member of the Games' Board of Directors. "Because of this, recognizing the arts and culture was an important factor in a successful legacy of the Halifax Canada Games. The awards will ensure the spirit of the Games lives on through Nova Scotia’s next generation of great artists."
The funding will be given in two $10,000 special awards each year for the next ten years, called the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Awards.
"The 2011 Games celebrated the best that Nova Scotia has to offer--in sport, arts, culture, and community," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra. "This funding, along with the infrastructure built to support the Canada Games, will create a lasting legacy for young and emerging artists."
"I cannot thank the Nova Scotia Talent Trust enough for the honour of being selected as a scholarship and award recipient. The results have been life-changing," said Francesca Nardi of Halifax. "It gave me the opportunity to spend a month in Spain learning Flamenco from some of the best teachers in the world, which has greatly improved my skill and versatility as a dancer. I am so excited to share what I have learned with the rest of the community here."
Many of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust's past recipients have gone on to successful careers in the arts at home and abroad. Past recipients include soprano Jane Archibald, actor Don Allison, filmmaker Shandi Mitchell, dancer Ian Parsons, and cellist Denise Djokic.
The Nova Scotia Talent Trust is now accepting applications for the latest round of scholarships for fall/winter studies. The deadline is May 1. For more information on how to apply, visit www.nstalenttrust.ns.ca.