Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this year the Government of the Northwest Territories increased funding to the arts through the Department of Education, Culture and Employment in the amount of $500,000.
The $500,000 increase included in the 2008–2009 budget will benefit both existing and new programs, including those offered by the NWT Arts Council, the Support for Northern Performers program and the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre. Community heritage centres, cultural organizations and various cultural projects around the territory will also receive increased funding in recognition of the important role they play in supporting and presenting the arts and culture.
Education, Culture and Employment has also introduced a new northern theatre arts funding program with a focus on NWT youth. The budget is $50,000 for this program.
The Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes the many benefits of the arts to our communities and also to our people. These benefits include economic benefits such as employment for technicians, craftspeople and other arts professionals. They also include social and cultural benefits such as allowing people of all ages to come together and celebrate their communities through performances or festivals.
Increasingly it is recognized that the arts also provide health, cognitive and attitudinal benefits to Northerners of all ages. Education, Culture and Employment will continue to work with Industry, Tourism and Investment to support the arts and ensure Northerners have access to these benefits through activities set out in the NWT Arts Strategy.
