The Department of Development and Technology has awarded four Island students with bursaries under its new Craft Education Bursary program. The Honourable Michael F. Currie announced the new program this spring as part of his department's continued commitment to the Island's craft and giftware industry.
Four Island students enrolled in recognized arts/crafts programs in Canada qualified for the bursary this year. They are: Leigh Ramsay of Summerside, a third year student in the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design's fine arts program; Emily Dunsmore of Victoria, a first year student studying pottery at the Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson, British Columbia; Jordan MacLeod of Charlottetown, a first year student in the foundation program at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design; and Leslie Kwiatkowski of Summerside, a pottery student at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Fredericton.
Each recipient is eligible for up to $10,000/year to assist with the cost of tuition, books, room and board. Students receiving the bursary must commit to returning to Prince Edward Island upon graduation to produce their craft. According to Minister Currie, this aspect of the bursary program will help to increase the supply of Island made handcrafts. "These four students are very deserving of the craft education bursary and I am confident they will all be a true asset to PEI's craft industry when they graduate," said Minister Currie. "Training is one of the most important issues facing the craft and giftware industry on our Island. By offering this bursary program, we hope to respond to the increasing demand for our quality handmade products."
PEI's craft and giftware industry is valued at $33 million annually, $19 million of which is generated from Island-made products.
An additional component of the Craft Education Bursary Program qualifies each recipient for valuable work experience through a summer work term placement with an established Island craft producer. This program is also supported by the Department through Prince Edward Island Business Development, the province's lead economic development agency.