Artists represent SD&G

It was announced recently that Debbie Gilmer, creator of Celtic stoneware pottery and sculptor David Switzer were selected to represent the SD&G region at the Eastern Ontario Artists Marketplace at the 2009 Spring One of a Kind Show in Toronto.

Mr. Switzer who creates his matchstick sculptures in his studio in Cornwall, and Ms. Gilmer, whose pottery studio is in South Mountain, are two of 24 artists and artisans in Eastern Ontario who were chosen for this opportunity. The Eastern Ontario Artists Marketplace is part of an initiative to help artists and artisans access a larger market for their work and to bring attention to Eastern Ontario as vibrant area for the production of art and fine craft.

Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton–Kawartha–Brock, announced a Government of Canada investment of $125,000 for this initiative. “Today’s announcement reinforces our government’s commitment to support the artists and artisans that contribute to the economic prosperity of Eastern Ontario,” stated Barry Devolin. “Not only is this funding an essential part of our government’s vision for a stronger, more diverse economy, it is also an important investment that will help strengthen our regional economy.”

The funding was provided through the Regional Fund of FedNor’s Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), managed by the Eastern Ontario CFDCs Network Inc. The EODP promotes socio-economic development in Eastern Ontario by creating, building and developing the necessary conditions to increase business and employment opportunities in the region. Funding and support for the EODP is delivered through the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) located throughout Eastern Ontario and the Eastern Ontario CFDCs Network Inc. The Haliburton County Development Corporation, one of the 15 Eastern Ontario CFDCs, is coordinating this initiative. “Our government will continue to make strategic investments that contribute to the long-term prosperity of the people living and working in Eastern Ontario,” stated the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor. “I look forward to the positive impact this investment will have on the long-term development of a sector that is important to the regional economy.”

The $125,000 of funding is being used to provide tools for artists and artisans to help them access a larger market for their work. This includes running a series of Market Readiness workshops that took place in eight communities across Eastern Ontario in October and November 2008; providing an opportunity for 24 Eastern Ontario artists and artisans to show and sell their work in a special Eastern Ontario Artists Marketplace at the 2009 Spring One of a Kind Show at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto; and, bringing attention to Eastern Ontario as vibrant area for the production of art and craft and to rural Eastern Ontario communities as art destinations. “The Haliburton County Development Corporation is delighted to be able to work with the other CFDCs in Eastern Ontario to provide tools for artisans and artists to expand the market for their work,” said Barb Bolin, vice chair of the board of directors of the HCDC. “The continued development of the creative economy is vital to the economic growth of communities throughout Eastern Ontario. We are very encouraged by the tremendous response we received from artists and artisans that are excited to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Jim Blake, project coordinator announced the artists who have been chosen from the 15 CFDC regions to be part of the Eastern Ontario Artists marketplace at the 2009 Spring One of a Kind show.

The One of a Kind show is Canada’s largest and most prestigious retail show for fine craft in Canada. The Eastern Ontario Artists Marketplace at the 2009 Spring One of a Kind Show will highlight the work of 24 artists. These artists were chosen from 125 applicants from across Eastern Ontario—a region covering the area from Lake Simcoe to the Ottawa River and from Lake Ontario to Algonquin Park.

FedNor is a federal regional development organization in Ontario that works with a variety of partners, as both a facilitator and catalyst, to help create an environment in which communities can thrive, businesses can grow and people can prosper.

FedNor’s Community Futures Program supports 61 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) located throughout rural Ontario. CFDCs offer a wide variety of programs and services supporting community economic development and small business growth. These community-based, not-for-profit organizations are staffed by professionals and are each governed by local volunteer boards of directors familiar with their communities’ needs, concerns and future development priorities.