Touring Artist Fund Increases Scope of Opportunities

FOR RELEASE #09-203
September 2, 2009

WHITEHORSE – The Touring Artist Fund is providing $27,083 to six Yukon artists who will showcase their work at national and international events, announced Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor.“Since its inception in 2008, the Touring Artist Fund has helped many Yukon artists travel to national and international events offering unprecedented opportunities for artistic growth and professional development,” Taylor said. “The unique experiences enrich artists’ creativity and help expose their work to their artistic peers as well as to new markets.”

Nita Collins is receiving $1,278 to attend the Saqra’s Showcase Dance Festival and Competition Middle Eastern dance event in Oregon in November. Collins will attend as an instructor, competition judge and performer, while using the opportunity to network with others involved in Middle Eastern dance.

“Having the opportunity to attend workshops, adjudicate a competition and perform at the same time, challenges me to stretch myself professionally and artistically,” Collins said. “This trip is a wonderful way to connect and reconnect with my peers in the Middle Eastern dance world. I am grateful to the committee for their support.”

Shiela Alexandrovich is receiving $4,440 and Lyn Fabio is receiving $5,040 to participate in the Cheongju International Craft Biennale in South Korea in October. The exhibition features the work of crafts people, demonstrations and lectures by some of the world’s finest artisans, collectors and educators.

“It has been compared to the Olympics of fine craft,” Alexandrovich said. “It is a rare opportunity to participate in an exhibition of this quality and variety. I will be demonstrating beading techniques and Lyn will be lecturing. We have each had one work selected to represent both Yukon and Canada, which is the guest country this year. Meeting and connecting with other Canadian fine craft artists will follow us home, giving each of us positive experiences to build on.”

The Touring Artist Fund aims to increase touring opportunities for all artistic disciplines. The applicant-driven funding program is adjudicated four times a year by the Yukon Arts Advisory Council. The next deadline for the Touring Artist Fund is September 15.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the fund Administrator before applying by telephoning 867-667-8789, toll free at 1-800-661-0408 ext. 8789 or email artsfund@gov.yk.ca.

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See backgrounder below.

Contact:

Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Karen Keeley
Communications, Tourism & Culture
867-667-8304
karen.keeley@gov.yk.ca

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TOURING ARTIST FUND – June 15, 2009 Intake

Recipient
Description of Project
Amount Funded

1 Shiela Alexandrovich Travel to South Korea for participation in the Cheongju International Craft Biennale, October 2009 $4,440

2 Nita Collins Travel to Oregon for participation in Saqra’s Showcase Dance Festival and Competition Middle Eastern dance event in November 2009 1,278

3 Lyn Fabio Travel to South Korea for participation in the Cheongju International Craft Biennale, October 2009 5,040

4 Lulu Keating Tour three Canadian film festivals to show and promote new projects, September – October 2009 5,000

5 Root Sellers Perform at three summer music festivals and various small venues across Canada, June – August 2009 7,600

6 Jean Taylor Travel to Italy for participation in the Biennale of Chianciano, September 2009 3,725

TOTAL: $27,083