The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:
Mr. Speaker, today in this Honourable House I celebrate the impact and success of our province’s cultural sector.
It was playwright and actor Robert Chafe who noted, “Our culture is our voice, our way of announcing ourselves in the world. It is the beating heart of this place, ever-evolving, diversifying, and strengthening.”
The latest available data by Statistics Canada revealed that our culture sector generates approximately $451 million towards our GDP, and that our province exported over $56 million worth of culture products in 2018.
A key part of our cultural industries is the TV and film industry. It generates skilled jobs and creates economic spinoffs for our province. I also note, that for the first time ever, this province has two television productions occurring at the same time; Surrealtor and Hudson and Rex. Both productions highlight the caliber and capabilities of the industry right here at home.
Mr. Speaker, now more than ever, tech innovation is a driving force behind the cultural industries. Most recently, the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival celebrated its 31st season – held virtually for the first time – and the response was fantastic. The festival screened 51 short films and presented 11 features, earning over 7,000 views on its streaming platform.
Also this year for the first time, MusicNL participated in Innovation Week by offering sessions with active industry professionals to examine what tech-based strategies would work in light of the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19.
Mr. Speaker, our arts and heritage sector has adapted and modified operations to safely open to the public. Our Arts and Culture Centres recently re-opened and have sold out shows using a mix of live performance and streaming to reach audiences.
Our multi-faceted culture is expressed and celebrated every day by artists and heritage practitioners in visual art, literature, film, music, traditions and practices, built heritage, languages, food, oral histories and story-telling.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable members to join me in saluting them all. Thank you.