The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, today I would like to highlight the 70th anniversary of the Arts and Letters Awards Program and to remind artists throughout Newfoundland and Labrador that this year’s submission deadline is November 19, 2021.

As one of government’s flagship and most popular arts programs, the Arts and Letters Awards were initiated in 1951 when then-Minister of Education, Samuel J. Hefferton, convened a meeting of prominent citizens to explore the possibility of promoting wider interest in cultural activities. Subsequently, in 1952, this annual series of arts awards was launched.

Today, the program continues to stimulate and celebrate creative activity by providing 62 cash prizes, adjudication of all submissions by professional artists, and the opportunity for winners to participate in a group exhibition at The Rooms.

The Arts and Letters Awards program is open to both emerging and established artists in junior and senior divisions. Categories include music, literary, visual art and multimedia. As well, the program includes the Percy Janes First Novel Award, which honours the life and work of one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most distinguished writers by awarding a cash award for an unpublished novel.

Speaker, I encourage all creative, artistic-minded Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to consider making a submission for this program. More information can be found on the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation’s website.

Thank you.