A symposium … to address the gaps in opportunity, support and services available to artists …
SHMF was proud to be among the many sponsors of the inaugural Bay of Chaleur Symposium held in Balmoral, New Brunswick, September 25 through 27th, 2015. This project was selected by an independent selection panel for its potential to significantly strengthen the infrastructure for artists in the Restigouche area.
Symposium BDC is a nonprofit organization formed in 2015 to strengthen and expand the cultural fabric of the Restigouche region. Aiming to address the gaps in opportunity, support and services available to artists, a group of dedicated volunteers incorporated Symposium BDC and mounted a week-end conference and showcase of regional art.
The artist Anne Babin of Dalhousie and spokesperson for the symposium was lauded by her community for her leadership in this grassroots movement. Her work at networking and planning has made a tremendous impact on the infrastructure for artists in the Bay of Chaleur Region. Currently the BDC Board of Directors is planning on a 2016 event to be held in Atholville; a 2017 event in Dalhousie and a 2018 event in Campbellton.
A juried exhibition showcased the work of 29 artists. An education program offered workshops, demonstrations and a panel discussion led by provincial arts leaders.
A juried exhibition showcased the work of 29 artists: Jesse Babin, Agathe Barriault, Jocelyn (Bujold) Blanchard, Maurice Cormier, Patsy Cormier, Monick Desjardins, Carole Doucet, Thelma Doucet, Sophie Dubé, Lorraine Eadie Gaudin Higgs, Adrienne Elfner-Hazen, Rita May Gates, Rachel Haché, Simonne Henry, Charlie Lanteigne, Carole LeBlanc, Madeleine LeBlanc Chiasson, Brigitte Leboutillier, Amber Léger, Marie-Claire Marin, Rhéal McIntyre, Dyane Nowlan, Mélanie Parent, Sylvie Pilotte, Réjean Roy, Jacquie Savoie, Melindria Tavoularis and Lise Ulrich. An education program offered workshops, demonstrations and a panel discussion led by provincial arts leaders.
Michel Soucy, mayor of Atholville
“Le Symposium n’a permis de connaître des artistes qui exerçaient leur passion dans l’ombre. J’ai été capable de voir la fierté de ces artistes au travers de leurs oeuvres”
Guy Chiasson, directeur general, Village de Balmoral
“Selon les commentaries reçus de nombreuses personnes, ce fut un énorme success. Avec votre premiere édition, vous avez placé la barre tres haute pour les prochaines éditions”
- Go to the Bay of Chaleur Symposium website