Baie-Sainte-Anne, September 28, 2011 – As part of Baie-Sainte-Anne’s cultural development project, the Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du Nouveau-Brunswick (AAAPNB), in partnership with School District 11 and the École régionale de Baie-Sainte-Anne, launched today a photographic exhibition developed by the school’s students and the professional artist Francine Dion.

Initially, seven students from grades 7 to 9 received photocomposition training with the artist Francine Dion. They then went to the Saint-Anne church in Baie-Sainte-Anne where they were given free rein to photograph elements of the centennial building.

“As an Acadian, K–12 school, it is not only our responsibility to educate young people but also to contribute to shaping their cultural identity. This type of project is an important tool for providing young people with access to art while transmitting a better understanding of their Acadian roots. As such, the initiative fosters identity-building and the development of Acadian pride,” explained the principal at École régionale de Baie-Sainte-Anne, Paulette Daigle Richard.

The AAAPNB Executive Director, Carmen Gibbs, feels that education is a key sector for fostering the development of arts and culture appreciation in youth. She went on to say that “the project demonstrates the impact that the presence of artists in our schools can have. Their work gets young people thinking about the world around them and allows them to discover different perspectives that will help them grow and develop as citizens within a creative Acadian society.”

Regional cultural development, which stems from the framework of the États généraux des arts et de la culture – within New Brunswick’s Acadian society – is a New Brunswick concept aimed at planning and building Acadian community development, by providing communities with the artistic and cultural tools required for their growth.

This project was made possible with the financial support of the federal Department of Canadian Heritage and the provincial departments of Education and Early Childhood Education; Wellness, Culture and Sport; and Intergovernmental Affairs.

For further information:
Jacinthe Breau
Communications Officer
Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du N.-B.
506.852.3313
jacinthe.breau@aaapnb.ca