News Release

Mayor’s Arts Awards to continue through 2011, with continued support for the Arts in future years

(Friday, January 28, 2011) - Mayor Peter Kelly said today that there is no intention to end the current arts awards in theatre and literature this year, but consideration will be given to how best to recognize and support the arts community in the years ahead.

“We are proud to sponsor awards that recognize the contribution artists make to the vibrancy of our communities,” said Mayor Kelly. “At the same time we recognize that it may be time to take a serious look at how we can broaden our arts recognition across more disciplines in the future.”

The Mayor noted that his office has a mandate to support all sectors of the arts community and consultations will be held with the community to see how that can best be accomplished beyond 2011.

Currently, the combine value of the awards is $5,000.

HRM staff is planning to seek input from all of the cultural community on a new awards program . The consultation will take place early this spring.

“We’re hoping that the cultural community will respond in great numbers to this invitation. These will be their awards,” said Mayor Kelly.

Consultation will also extend to the business community and other stakeholder who may want to contribute to future celebratory arts and culture award programs.

HRM provided $130,000 worth of funding directly for artists’ projects in 2010.

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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010