I am happy to report that the Province is providing double the usual annual funding for the Nova Scotia Talent Trust this year to celebrate 75 years of supporting young artists.
In addition to an annual grant of $100,000, the province is providing additional, one-time funding of $100,000 to further support young Nova Scotians who want to pursue artistic careers in theatre, film/new media, literary arts, dance, music, voice, circus arts, visual arts and design.
The Province recognizes the importance of arts and culture in our economy and our daily lives.
For those unfamiliar with the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, it is a registered charity that provides scholarships to Nova Scotians. It was established in 1944 to support the budding career of opera singer Portia White. The scholarships were later extended to young Nova Scotians showing exceptional potential and commitment to an artistic career and has supported over 1,000 young Nova Scotians since then.
Sandra Brownlee received a scholarship in 1980 and went on to win the 2014 Governor General Visual and Media Arts Saidye Bronfman Award.
“The scholarship was a huge boost for me, not just financially but in terms of the morale boost, as well. It came just when I needed it the most,” said Brownlee, “It was thrilling, and it made what I was doing seem more real, and viable. It put me on a really good path.”
For more information about the trust visit their website.