Craftspeople from across the Atlantic Provinces are invited to make their nominations for the 5th Annual Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence to be held in Nova Scotia in February, 2002.
These awards recognize leadership and excellence in a craftsperson's life and in the lives of those who are strong supporters of the industry. The awards ceremony is held in conjunction with the annual Atlantic Canada Craft Trade Show (ACTS), which is organized by the provincial governments of Atlantic Canada, providing a bridge between retail and wholesale for crafts and giftware producers.
"Crafts and giftware is a $30 million industry in PEI, and our government is committed to fostering and encouraging even more growth in this prosperous sector, " said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development & Technology. "Events such as the Atlantic Canada Crafts Awards put the spotlight on this industry which is too often underestimated. The awards also pay well-deserved tribute to our talented craftspeople."
The Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence are handed out in the following categories: Excellence in Product Design, Outstanding Exporter, Outstanding Retailer, and Industry Leader/Supporter.
To be eligible for the Product Design and Outstanding Exporter categories, craftspeople must have their manufacturing operation located in one or more of the Atlantic Provinces, and work full time in the industry. Nominees for the Outstanding Retailer award must have successfully represented the region's identity in quality crafts, gifts and apparel for more than three years. Any individual, commercial producer, retailer, association or industry contributor from Atlantic Canada is eligible for the Industry Leader/Supporter award.
People are welcome to nominate themselves for all categories, and all nominations should have supporting documentation such as photographs and letters of support.
"Recipients of the Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence are leaders who, by their professional example, personify the highest standards and credibility within the craft and giftware industry in Atlantic Canada," says Chris Tyler, chair of the 2002 show and manager of Crafts, Design and Publishing Programs with Nova Scotia Tourism and Culture. "We recognize outstanding professionals who have achieved prominence as a result of the honour they bring to their industry and region."
Nominations must be received no later than October 19th, 2001. Those received after the deadline will be considered for the following year's awards. Nominations are to be sent to Chris Tyler at the Department of Nova Scotia Tourism and Culture, 1800 Argyle Street, PO Box 456, Halifax, NS, B3J 2R5.
For more information, visit the Atlantic Canada Craft Trade Show website http://www.actshow.ca.