Neeta Lind / CC
The province has teamed up with the Canada Council for the Arts and the New Brunswick Arts Board (artsnb) on a new pilot project.
It’s hoped the initiative will encourage more participation by Indigenous artists in the grant programs and workshops available to them.
Corrina Merasty will serve as an outreach officer to help Indigenous artists develop their art and support cultural organizations to strengthen their development capacities.
Merasty will visit Indigenous communities and encourage the artists and organizations to apply for grants and help them with the application process.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart says it’s a chance to build the capacity of the cultural sector by increasing the number of Indigenous artists who have access to programs.
“This initiative demonstrates that our government continues to value the traditions, cultures, and identity of the First Nations and is working to enhance their contribution to New Brunswick’s cultural richness,” said Stewart in a release.
Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Robert Gauvin says the initiative is an example of co-operation between the provincial government, and groups that support the arts.
“We all aim to promote the improvement of the socioeconomic status of artists in the province, including Indigenous artists, so that they are able to create and make a living from their art. That is why we are proud of this agreement,” he said.
George Paul is a member of the Circle of Elders at artsnb. He says he’s looking forward to working with his community.
“The arts community in New Brunswick is an ever-growing population of mixed cultures and creative minds. I was excited to hear of a new funding arrangement to support artsnb by the Canada Council and the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture,” he said.
Initial visits to various Indigenous communities will take place soon.
With files from Brad Perry.
