SASKATCHEWAN ARTISTS BRINGING THE PRAIRIE SCENE TO THE WORLD

Today, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that it is investing $250,000 in Prairie Scene, a major multi-disciplinary arts festival planned for Ottawa in Spring 2011. The festival, organized by the National Arts Centre, will showcase the best of our arts and culture, help build new markets for Saskatchewan cultural products and provide national and international exposure for Saskatchewan artists.

"Prairie Scene will put the spotlight on Saskatchewan, and will provide Canada and the world with a window into our rich culture, help brand the province as a great place to make a life and spark the interest of tourists," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Prairie Scene is also a direct investment into the Saskatchewan arts sector and is consistent with Saskatchewan's new cultural policy as it fosters artistic excellence and facilitates commercial opportunities for Saskatchewan artists."

Prairie Scene is the latest in a series of biennial arts festivals including music, theatre, dance, comedy, literature, visual, media and culinary arts from Canada's various regions. It is hosted by the National Arts Centre to showcase emerging and established artists from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

"The National Arts Centre is excited about Prairie Scene 2011 and our chance to bring the prairies to our nation's capital," Prairie Scene Producer and Executive Director Heather Moore said. "We look forward to working with Saskatchewan to showcase the best of the province's arts and culture scene and share it with Canada and the world."

"We have just seen how Saskatchewan artists, our economy and our beautiful natural heritage was showcased at the Olympics before an international audience," Duncan said. "With Prairie Scene we'll be able to once again highlight our talent and culture."

Prairie Scene will showcase approximately 500-600 emerging and established artists from the two provinces, over 13 days in Spring 2011. It is estimated that more than 75,000 people will attend more than 80 performances at more than 20 venues.

The National Arts Centre is a federal cultural organization created by the Parliament of Canada. Its mandate is to develop and showcase the performing arts in the National Capital Region and across Canada. Visit www.nac-can.ca/ to learn more.

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Johnson
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0619
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-5805