Artists wanted

Province has $50,000 available for art grants

Applications from Island creators for this fall’s art grants are now being accepted by the provincial government.

P.E.I. artists have until Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. to apply for three types of grants; creation, dissemination and professional development.

There is $50,000 available in this round of funding.

Monica Lacey, one of the artists who received funding in the last round of art grants, said the program provides Island artists with crucial support.

“The impact on my own career has been significant over the years through the receipt of a number of these grants,” she said. “Having this support, particularly in the creation of new work, sets the circumstances in which I can concentrate and produce new ideas. For me as a professional artist, this program is absolutely essential.”

Successful applicants are selected by a six-member jury of their arts community peers, which is modeled on the practice followed by the Canada Council of the Arts.

The grants are part of the province’s Culture Action Plan, which will see more than $1.45 million invested to support culture in the 2018-2019 budget.

Economic Development and Tourism Minister Chris Palmer said the province has provided more than $250,000 over the last three years to support artists.

“Island artists make a vital contribution to our unique culture and help to tell the story of our people and our way of life,” said Palmer.

Culture Minister Jordan Brown said, since being introduced in 2016, the grant program has enriched P.E.I.’s cultural experience.

“Although we are a small province, exceptionally vibrant arts and culture offerings are one of the things that make us the mighty Island,” said Brown.

“The impact on my own career has been significant over the years through the receipt of a number of these grants.” Monica Lacey