The Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology, announced today that his department will be renewing the Craft Education Award Program for 2002. Introduced last year by the Provincial Government as part of its continued commitment to PEI's craft and giftware industry, the program provides financial support to Islanders enrolled in a recognized craft and design program in Canada.
Minister Currie noted that strong response for the Craft Education Award and support from the industry were key factors in renewing the program.
"My department works closely with PEI craftspeople to further develop this $33 million industry, and research is telling us that there are not enough Island-made products to meet the demand," said Minister Currie. "Encouraging training through the Craft Education Award Program is one way to combat this issue and help this industry reach its full potential."
Last year, four Islanders received funding through the program. 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 $5,000/year to assist with the cost of tuition, books and materials. Students receiving the award must commit to returning to Prince Edward Island upon graduation to establish, operate and/or work in a craft manufacturing business. In addition to financial assistance, award recipients may also qualify to receive valuable work experience through a summer work term placement with an established Island craft producer.
"By supplementing the school component of their training with practical work experience, this program is better preparing these students to succeed and be valuable contributors to the industry," said Minister Currie.
The deadline to be considered for the Craft Education Award Program is March 29, 2002. Applications and additional details are available by contacting Carolyn Villard at Prince Edward Island Business Development at 368-4799.