Andre Haines: 30 years of contribution to the arts in NS

Photo credit: Chris Green

Congratulations to visual artist and former Talent Trust scholarship recipient Andre Haines for being recognized by the Nova Scotia House of Assembly for over '30 years of contributing to the arts sector in Nova Scotia and helping to teach the next generation of artists and musicians'. What a wonderful achievement! 

About Andre:

In 1985, after attending Mount Allison U, and Acadia U as a student of music (oboe), theatre and fine arts, I received a NSTT scholarship to follow my artistic passions further. I had become more interested in performing in musicals and needed money to go to AMDA in NYC to study with the best in the business. My musical theatre teacher was the first female conductor on Broadway. I spent many years performing, directing and composing for stage, film and television. I taught at Acadia U for 4 years, and the MCPA as well as running my own vocal studio.As time progressed I developed more passion for visual arts and that grew into a parallel career. Now I am a full time painter and continue my artistic journey. NSTT gave me the opportunity to work with brilliant people and set me on a course for a life time working prolifically in the arts.

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Visual Artist Gill Baldwin: Roodkapje Residency

Visual artist and past Talent Trust recipient, Gill Baldwin, has been creating some amazing things since winning the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award in 2019.

Gill is a resident of the Hamburger Community of Art 2021at Roodkapje. You can learn more about her experience in engaging video.

You can see more of Gill's work by follow her on Instagram or visiting her website.

About Gill:

Gill Baldwin (b. 1992, Canada) is a multi-disciplinary artist. Using analog and digital methods she explores the biases and behaviours of contemporary digital technology. Her background as an interior architect explores the incorporation of digital technologies within the built environment and their effect on the neighbourhood, the self, and human agency.

Her work was selected to be a part of the 2018 Robot Love exhibition in Eindhoven and at Upominki in Rotterdam. Her research has been recognized by the Piet Zwart Institute Alumni Award and in 2019 she received the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award. She is a current resident at the HCA Community of Art artist residency at Roodkapje in Rotterdam.

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Shauntay Grant: The Bridge

Congratulations to Shauntay Grant for the recent launch of The Bridge, a stunning piece of work!

(From Shauntay Grants website)

The Bridge is now published and available wherever books are sold in print and ebook formats.

The Bridge—which premiered in January 2019 at Neptune Theatre in a co-production with 2b theatre company in association with Obsidian Theatre Company—won the 2020 Robert Merritt Award for Outstanding New Play by a Nova Scotian.

Called “innovative and riveting…a brilliant dramatic text” by acclaimed playwright Judith Thompson, the play is set in a rural Black Nova Scotian community as it explores the complex relationship between two brothers strained over twenty years of secrecy, deception, and dishonour. Secrets are revealed one by one from the brothers themselves, as well as a trio of community gossips who provide the musical backdrop for this gospel-infused tale. A story of a family torn apart by betrayal, The Bridge invites us to consider the roads we choose in life, and to wonder whether we can ever cross back over the bridges we burn along the way.

“The Bridge already feels like it should be a classic of the Canadian theatre canon…” Amanda “Equity” Campbell writes on TWISI: The Way I See It Theatre Blog. “The intricate way this story is woven is unique and artful, and its layers create a resonant and powerfully emotional experience.”

For questions about the book or review copy requests, please contact Jessica Lewis, Sales & Marketing Manager, at jessica@playwrightscanada.com

For more updates on publications, author readings, and current projects visit shauntaygrant.com.

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Cheers to 77 years! Happy Birthday Talent Trust

Sunday, May 2nd was the Talent Trust's 77th birthday!!!

Thank you for celebrating with us a legacy that keeps giving. 

Internationally recognized in her day and now revered as part of Canadian heritage, Portia White’s legacy is infused with many meanings. For the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, which celebrates 77 years of supporting aspiring artists of all disciplines on May 2, Portia White represents its catalyst. 

In 1944, members of the Halifax Ladies Club, along with voice teacher Dr. Ernesto Vinci, successfully advocated the city of Halifax and the province of Nova Scotia for unparalleled financial support towards her studies in New York. Portia White ascended to become one of the best singers of the 20th century. The Talent Trust, with the help of the Dalhousie Music in Medicine HEALS Program, supports her legacy through the Portia White Award for a Nova Scotia voice student.

The province recognized the difference their support made in Portia White’s career and founded the Nova Scotia Talent Trust on May 2, 1944, to help other deserving and talented Nova Scotians succeed. 

We celebrate our 77th anniversary after supporting over 1,000 Nova Scotian artists during their study years in theatre, music, film, literary arts, circus arts, dance and visual arts.

The scholarship recipients’ dedication to their craft and talent has been amplified during these challenging times. We are proud of their tenacity to continue their studies in a safe environment and excel in their achievements. 

Thank you for believing in the creativity of our Nova Scotian artists for the last 77 years.

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