SASKATCHEWAN TALENT CHOSEN FOR CULTURAL OLYMPIAD

Saskatchewan cultural sector represented as part of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced the latest selection of performers and artists for the Cultural Olympiad 2010. Once again Saskatchewan talent has been chosen to participate at this prestigious international venue.

"Saskatchewan is poised to show the world how good our music and arts scene really is," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "We're contributing to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and I couldn't be prouder."

Regina's Jason Plumb will perform in Vancouver as part of the New Songs, New Voices showcase of Canadian music. The Saskatchewan-based singer and songwriter, has over the past twenty years delivered an impressive body of work that continues to present fresh and exciting chapters.

"I'm thrilled to be performing at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and being part of the solid line up of talent our great country has to offer," Plumb said. "I love the notion of representing my province, the place that is so near and dear to my heart. It's an honour that I certainly look forward to."

As well, as part of the Cultural Olympiad Digital Edition (CODE), Saskatoon-based art curator Donna Wawzonek developed three different exhibitions for CODE Screen 2010 - an online showcase of the works of Canadian artists. The second exhibition and the first of the three curated by Wawzonek, was released September 15, and is currently viewable through the VANOC website.

Working with VANOC and the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the Government of Saskatchewan's goal for the Cultural Olympiad has been to highlight Saskatchewan's artistic talent and contributions in the fields of music, visual arts, theatre, literature and new media as well as the cultural industries such as film.

"The Arts Board is really excited for the Saskatchewan artists who have been selected to perform on the Olympic stage," Saskatchewan Arts Board Executive Director Jeremy Morgan said. "We hope to see even more Saskatchewan artists added to the program as the planning continues."

In addition to the Cultural Olympiad, Saskatchewan artists and performers can still participate through the Saskatchewan Pavilion. Visit the Artists' Registry at http://www.artsboard.sk.ca/Vancouver_Olympics_2010/vanoc_home.htm to learn more. Deadline is September 30, 2009.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St. George
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Cell: 306-526-8635