… chosen for their promise to make a meaningful contribution to the growth of visual arts …
In 2017, SHMF invited applications for projects that would enhance the infrastructure of organizations serving the visual arts in New Brunswick. Selected on the recommendation of an independent assessment panel, the following projects have been chosen for their promise to make a meaningful contribution to the growth of visual arts in the province.
Andrew and Laura McCain Art Studio’s River Arts Centre
Creation of a pre-professional Print Making Studio was a developmental goal of the River Art Centre and Studios founded in 2014. Providing infrastructure to support artist practices in the Saint John River Valley area has been identified as a need by the Director and curator, Jennifer Stead “A significant goal for the Studio is to support the artistic growth and development of our art students, emerging and professional artists alike through an artist in residence program and by offering a varied and professional facility for artistic exploration and production”. The Sheila grant was dedicated to the acquisition of an etching press and associated equipment for printmaking capability.
Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre
As the principal exhibition and community art centre of Charlotte County, Sunbury Shores continues to invest in studios for creation and education. In 2017, a new kiln and secure storage facilities were identified as key priorities for the continuing evolution of artist studios at the centre. SHMF was pleased to support this project, which enhanced the centre’s capacity to offer advanced capabilities in ceramic art for local and visiting artists. Board Chair Caroline Davies explained that Sunbury Shores continues to extend the long history of arts and craft education.
ArtsLink NB
A 2017 Sheila Grant to ArtsLink was dedicated to augmenting the technical capabilities of this provincial advocacy group. Executive Director Gillian Dykeman explained, “ArtsLink NB purchased professional documentation equipment for member use. This equipment supported our 2017-2018 Start to Finish professional development workshop series, and expanded ArtsLinks capacity to support artists’ needs. By making it available for artist members to borrow, this equipment will continue to help astists to best represent their creative output when applying for opportunities or showcasing their work.”
Restigouche Regional Museum Association
The town of Dalhousie has acquired a decommissioned courthouse and is establishing a museum complex on site. Under the leadership of Ann Babin, a new cultural programming centre “Le Studio” is being created in response to the work done by Symposium Baie de Chaleur. SHMF provided financial support to assist in establishment of a resource centre to support the needs of artists in the north-eastern regions of New Brunswick.
Charlotte Street Arts Centre
The creation of a fully accessible Community Arts Room to serve as the hub of CSAC’s community outreach program was a key element in a current expansion and upgrade to the historic school building. SHMF was proud to sponsor this important element of renewal led by Executve Director, Jared Peters.
Third Space Artist Run Centre
Funding was provided to assist in the creation of a workshop/exhibition space for this 15 year old artist-run-centre in Saint John. The jury praised the collective’s sustained efforts in programming despite the lack of a permanent location. The recent strategic partnership with ArtsLinkNB has allowed the group to acquire a home base for artist programs and residencies. SHMF was proud to assist this vibrant collective in its evolution as a centre of excellence.
The Board of Directors was grateful for the professional advice and recommendations of the following members of a 2017 review and selection committee: Marc Braithewaite, President NBCCD; Rosalind Rosenfeld, writer, critic and ARC organizer; Maurice Henri, photographer and arts community builder; Kelly Evans, Executive Director of the Greater Saint John Community Foundation and Elizabeth O’Hara, deputy mayor of Quispamsis.