Welcome Susan Hanrahan and Michelle Lahey to the Talent Trust Board of Directors

The Nova Scotia Talent Trust Annual General Meeting was held on May 30, 2022.  It was wonderful to come together to reflect on the 2021-22 fiscal year, and NSTT's 77th year serving the arts community! 

The successes, growth, and support the Talent Trust offers to Nova Scotia's emerging artists wouldn't happen without the support of our Board of Directors.  They volunteer their time and expertise each year to ensure the Talent Trust meets its mission and goals.  We warmly welcome Susan Hanrahan and Michelle Lahey to our Board of Directors.

Susan Hanrahan recently retired after working 33 years with Craft Nova Scotia, 26 of them as the organization’s Executive Director. In that role, Susan worked to provide Nova Scotian craftspeople opportunities to participate in exhibitions, art fairs, trade shows, educational and best-practices missions, conferences, and partnerships with craft organizations and events both here and across Canada, the USA, and Europe. Susan was a founding member of Craft Alliance Atlantic Association, and was heavily involved with the Canadian Crafts Federation, Arts Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Cultural Network, and the Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia. 

“The right support at the right time can make a huge difference to an artist’s career. Not only does the Nova Scotia Talent Trust contribute financial assistance through scholarships and awards, it also provides the critical validation and encouragement so necessary to the growth and development of all artists. For more than 75 years, the NSTT has made significant contributions to the well-being of our provincial cultural community. I am honoured to serve on the NSTT Board as it continues this vital work.” - Susan Hanrahan

Michelle Lahey is an instructor in Cape Breton University's School of Arts and Social Science. She also serves on a number of boards including: Talbot House and the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design. She regularly volunteers for the Free Legal Clinic located at the Sydney courthouse.  Michelle obtained her B.A. from Cape Breton University, and received her LL.B., and B.C.L. from McGill University in 2017. After graduating, Michelle articled with a regional firm in Nova Scotia, until she was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in June 2018. In April 2019, Michelle joined the Sydney law office of LaFosse MacLeod.

"The Nova Scotia Talent Trust's mission is integral in ensuring the continued vibrancy of Nova Scotia's arts community. By supporting emerging artists with important financial assistance, the Trust directly impacts the province's cultural landscape and fosters the growth of its creative industries. I am delighted to help advance this vital work as a board member." - Michelle Lahey

Once again, welcome to Susan and Michelle.  And a thank you to our returning Board members: Adrian Hoffman (Acting Chair), Victoria Hines (Vice Chair), Natalie Wells, (Treasurer), Breagh MacKinnon (Secretary), Pamela Ritchie (Development Committee Chair), and Wallace Smith Jr.  Your commitment and dedication to the Talent Trust is very appreciated by all.  

You can find the full roster of our NSTT board on our website. 

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today!

Team Talent Trust Success at the Bluenose Marathon!

What an amazing experience for Team Talent Trust this past weekend at the Bluenose Marathon! 

 

Thanks to the hard work of the Team Talent Trust walkers/runners a total of $4678.62 was raised!

 

Thank you to everyone who supported Team Talent Trust. Your support provides scholarships to young artists when they need them the most. 

 

Team Talent Trust Members:

• Catilyn Dwyer, NSTT supporter
• Natalie Wells, NSTT Treasurer
• Victoria Hines, NSTT Acting Chair
• Andrew Son, NSTT scholarship recipient
• Andrea Urquhart, Executive Director
• Jacqueline Steudler, Former ED & NSTT supporter
  

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Talent Trust Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions

Scholarships — Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I know if I'm eligible for a Talent Trust scholarship? 

Visit our Eligibility page for the list of criteria.

What kind of study programs does the Talent Trust support?

• University arts programs
• College arts programs (like NSCC)
• Programs in film, dance, theatre, music, literary arts, visual arts, or circus arts offered by private institutions
• Private studies with one teacher
• Summer classes in the arts
• Summer festival study opportunities
• Mentorships
• Artist residencies
• If you’re considering a study program not on this list, please let us know so we can assess its eligibility. 
  (We don’t fund the Verbier Music Festival Orchestra summer placement because it is free.)

Do you support arts teacher training?  

No. We don’t provide scholarships for teacher training programs. 

Do you support art therapy training?

No. We don’t provide scholarships for art therapy training programs. 

Do the application requirements change from year to year?

Possibly. We regularly review our application requirements, so they could change from one year to the next.

Tip: Review the General Application Guidelines and support material requirements for your discipline before you begin your application. You can find all updated files at nstalenttrust.ns.ca/Scholarships/Support-Material/

I study with a private teacher. What do I need for my application? 

Collect all the information required in the General Application Guidelines (page 2). See our General Application Guidelines for details.

Combine all the information from your teacher in one PDF file before adding it to your application. 

Late submissions of private teacher information will not be accepted. 

Tip: Get in touch with your teacher at least a month before the deadline. 

What browser should I use to submit my application?
Our system is built to work best with Chrome. Note: Microsoft's Internet Explorer is out of date and will not work with our system.

How long does it take to complete the online application?
According to our latest survey, plan on spending an hour or more to complete the application process. If you have all your information before you begin, you may be able to shorten that time.

Tip: Plan ahead. Carefully review all the application and support material requirements before you begin.

Do I have to complete the application at once? Can I start today and finish it tomorrow? 

The system is able to save everything so you can work on your application a little at a time. 

Tip 1: Use Chrome as your browser for best results. 

Tip 2: If you have any technical problems let us know right away.

How much can I ask for in my Budget?

Our scholarships are between $800 - $4000. You can only ask for a portion of your study expenses.

How many video links can I attach to my application?  

One video link. Combine your videos into one file. Your video index needs to indicate at what time each piece starts and ends, e.g.  introduction 0:00 – 0:32, first music piece title 0:32 – 2:58 etc

Tip: In addition to the video index in your application, add the start time of each piece in the video information section on YouTube. Don't change the video link until the end of the application year.

I don’t want anyone to see my application video. What can I do? 

On YouTube you can set the video to unlisted. Only people with the link can see it. Do not make the video private. If you do, we won’t be able to view it. 

I’m a visual artist. Can I upload separate images of my work? 

No. You need to upload a portfolio in PDF format containing all your images and the information of each image. 

Tips: 
Use high quality photos (no large files); no frames should show (crop if necessary), only your artwork is important

Your images should be 72 dpi for your digital portfolio (300 dpi is only required for printing)

Each page should contain a single image of your work and its description (10 images = 10 pages)

Keep it simple! (maximum file size is 8 MB)

What happens after I submit my application?  

Our staff will look through your application to make sure all required files are attached and your links work. If we see anything that could be improved, we’ll send you an email and ask you to send an updated version by email.

When your application is complete, you will receive a confirmation email that also contains the date when you will be contacted with your application results. 

Be patient: our staff will get in touch with you as soon as possible. 

Tip: The earlier you apply, the more time you will have to improve your application. 

I made a mistake in my application and only noticed after I pressed submit. What can I do? 

Email our staff at scholarship(at)nstalenttrust.ns.ca and let us know right away. We can adjust your application for you. 

Do not try to update your application yourself! The system will create duplicates which will make it difficult for us to know which version is the correct one. 

Tips: 
Start your application process early so you have enough time to thoroughly review it. 

Save your application and read through it a day or two later to catch any small errors. Then submit it.

COVID-19 adjustments in 2022

Given the importance of maintaining social/physical distancing, and possible self-isolation for some, we understand that meeting some of the application requirements for the Spring/Summer scholarship deadline will not be possible. For example, it may not be possible to record your videos in a studio/theatre or to have someone accompany you for your piece. 

Please know we will be understanding of these limitations and will welcome modifications (filming in your living room, solo performances rather than being accompanied, etc.). Please do your best to meet the requirements that are within your control. (side note: Always hold your camera horizontal so that the Scholarship Selection Committee members can see you fully.)

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

Scholarship Applications for May 1 Deadline Now Accepted

Applications are now being accepted for Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarships for studies between September 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023. The deadline is May 1 at 5 p.m. ADT. Learn more here.

Apply early so that we can help you improve your application and avoid last minute technical problems.

We advise applicants to read the submission guidelines  carefully and to submit applications early since there are a number of changes for film, music, visual arts, dance, circus arts, literary arts, and theatre this year.

Please let the studying artists in your life know about our scholarship program.

For questions about scholarships and applications please get in touch with our Scholarship Program Coordinator Jackie Dowling at scholarship(at)nstalenttrust.ns.ca. 

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

The World of Yousuf Karsh: A Private Essence

Portia White's connection to the Talent Trust runs deep. 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. You can lean more about the Portia White/Talent Trust connection here.

Running March 12 - October 16, 2022 the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is hosting a special exhibition featuring the work of famed photographer Yousuf Karsh, the photographer of the iconic Portia White image many recognize today.

You can learn more about The World of Yousuf Karsh: A Private Essence exhibit here.

 

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotia artists? Donate today!

 

2022 Talent Trust Scholarship Application Deadlines Announced

We’re pleased to announce we are ready to receive new scholarship applications for 2022.

The deadline for scholarship applications for Spring/Summer studies is fast approaching!

The scholarship application process will again happen online.

We advise applicants to read the submission guidelines carefully and to submit applications early since there are a number of changes for film, music, visual arts, dance, circus arts, literary arts, and theatre this year.

Scholarship application deadlines are:

• Spring/Summer study: 5:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
  March 1, 2022 (for studies between May 1 and August 31, 2022)

• Fall/Winter study: 5:00 p.m. Atlantic Daylight Saving Time (ADT)
  May 1, 2022 (for studies between September 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023)

For more information, visit nstalenttrust.ca or get in touch by email with our Scholarship Program Coordinator Jackie Dowling at scholarship@nstalenttrust.ns.ca

Please help us spread the word: If you know a Nova Scotian student that is studying in the arts, let them know about this opportunity and our March 1 and May 1 deadlines.

Want to hear more about the Talent Trust? Please sign up for our newsletter.

Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

Congratulations Shauntay Grant and India Gailey

Congratulations to former Talent Trust scholarship recipients Shauntay Grant and India Gailey for their recent Arts Nova Scotia Awards.

Shauntay was awarded the Black Artist Recognition Award and India the Emerging Artist Recognition Award.  

India was the winner of the Yue Lih and Marion Kuo Award in 2017 and the Raymond Simpson Award in 2020.

About Shauntay Grant

Shauntay Grant is a poet, playwright, author, and multimedia artist. She is a descendant of Black Loyalists, Jamaican Maroons, and Black Refugees who came to Canada during the 18th and 19th centuries. A multidisciplinary artist with professional degrees in creative writing, music, and journalism, she “creates artworks that are engaging and accessible, but also challenging, rigorous, and informed by deep research (The Royal Society of Canada).” Her honours include a Joseph S. Stauffer Prize from the Canada Council for the Arts, a Robert Merritt Award for her stage play The Bridge, a Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award for Africville, and a Poet of Honour prize from the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word. A member of The Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists, she teaches creative writing at Dalhousie University, shares her blend of words and music internationally at festivals and events, and collaborates with visual artists and art galleries to create multidisciplinary artworks, installations, and exhibitions. She curated the exhibition Stitched Stories: The Family Quilts (Dalhousie Art Gallery, 2016), and the multimedia installation Grandmother, Teach Me (Art Gallery Of Ontario, 2017). Her literary work has been commissioned by Symphony Nova Scotia, Eastern Front Theatre, Against The Grain Theatre, and Obdisian Theatre among others. A former poet laureate for the City of Halifax, her poetry for children and adults has been published in educational resources, anthologies and literary journals. Her forthcoming poetic picture book My Fade Is Fresh will be published in 2022 by Penguin Books.

Website: www.shauntaygrant.com 

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/shauntay.grant/

About India Gailey  

India Gailey (she/they) is a musician—cellist, composer, vocalist, and improviser––who crosses many eras and genres, most often performing the realms of classical and experimental music. Pinned as a “young musician to watch” (Scotia Festival), she has performed across Canada, the United States, and Germany as a soloist and collaborator. She has worked with numerous contemporary composers, including Yaz Lancaster, Philip Glass, Nicole Lizée, and Michael Harrison. India is the recipient of several honours, including awards from the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, the Canada Council for the Arts, and McGill University, where she earned her Master of Music in cello performance. Her most recent work has been presented by organizations such as the Canadian Music Centre, International Contemporary Ensemble, Metropolis Ensemble, and Government House of Nova Scotia. India is also member of the environmental quartet New Hermitage, which recently released their fifth album, Unearth, to critical acclaim. 2022 will bring the release of a new solo cello album, as well as a series of commissioned works written especially for India by Canadian composers. 

https://www.instagram.com/india.yeshe/

https://www.facebook.com/india.yeshe/

https://indiayeshe.com/

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today!  (smile)

 

Symbiosis - Collective Dreaming and World Building

Running September 23, 2021 through November 7, 2021 the Mary E. Black Gallery will feature a curated exhibition, Symbiosis, of collaborative works by members of Craft Nova Scotia. 

 

This show features many past Talent Trust scholarship recipients:

- Brendt Eisner

- Shauna MacLeod

- Carley Mullally: winner of the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award in 2016

- Sienna Maeba

- Jessie McLaughlin: winner of the  Charlotte Wilson-Hammond/VANS Award  in 2019 

 

About the show:

 

Symbiosis - Collective Dreaming and World Building

A curated exhibition of collaborative works by members of Craft Nova Scotia

 

EXHIBITION
September 23 to November 7, 2021

 

VIRTUAL OPENING RECEPTION:
September 23 at 6:30pm
On @craftnovascotia Facebook Live

 

Mary E. Black Gallery
Centre for Craft Nova Scotia
Halifax, NS
Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4pm
 

FREE ADMISSION

 

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today!  (smile)

 

 

Celebrate Talent Trust's 2021 Scholarship Recipients

The NS Talent Trust Continues to Invest in 

Aspiring Nova Scotian Artists. 

Having finished its scholarship selection process, the NS Talent Trust has awarded scholarships to 55 emerging Nova Scotian artists in dance, music, theatre, circus arts, literary arts, and visual arts coming from all over the province. 
 
This year's Talent Trust recipients come from Windsor Junction, Lower Sackville, Middle Sackville, Hammonds Plains, Truro, Montague Gold Mines, Upper Tantallon, Wolfville, Derbert, New Glasgow, Millville, Sydney, Canning, Upper Kennetcook, Conquerall Mills, Timberlea, Glace Bay, Hants Port as well as Bedford, Dartmouth and Halifax. These aspiring artists have proven their commitment to their art by adapting through the uncertain times of a global pandemic by adjusting and changing their programs and studying virtually. Recipients attended online programs all over the world, from the United States to the UK to Spain.
 
Through their residencies, mentorships, and schooling, NSTT scholarship recipients inevitably promote Nova Scotia's cultural relevance by studying in some of the best institutions worldwide. Like Portia White herself, the original catalyst for the organization's formation, recipients sometimes become world-renowned. Think Jane Archibald, Bretten Hannam, and George Elliott Clarke. Since Portia's impetus in 1944, the Talent Trust has distributed over 2.5 million dollars in scholarships to over 1,000 recipients. 

The independent, volunteer Scholarship Selection Committees, made up of twelve professional artists, two from each discipline, obviously recognize the artistic skill and look for lasting commitment signs. The artist's life has more than its fair share of challenges, and for the NSTT, dedication to professional achievement is as essential as artistic potential. Since the province is overflowing with talent, the decisions are never easy. 
 
This year's 67 successful scholarships were chosen from a field of 129 applications over two submission periods, 1 March and 1 May 2021. Five of the 67 scholarships are supported by the NS Arts Endowment Fund of $2,000 each. They are Katrina Ouellette for Dance, Spencer MacKay for Film, Jacob MacDonald for Music, Emily O'Leary for Theatre, and Hannah Craig for Visual Arts.

The new CN Halifax Community Board scholarship of $1,000 goes to Reva Bhardwaj who studies film in Vancouver. 

The Nova Scotia Talent Trust's scholarships totaled $71,000 in 2021, which is only possible through various generous grants and individual donations. We thank our individual donors, the Craig Foundation, the RBC Foundation, CN Halifax Community Board, and Arts Nova Scotia for their support during this special time. 

More than ever, have we realized over the last couple of months how much the arts and the individual artists help us to stay mentally healthy. Nova Scotia artists supported us in the darkest days with their talent and generosity. Let's celebrate the 2021 Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarship recipients, which signify our cultural future. 
 
Below is the complete 2021 list of Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarship recipients.

List of the 2021 Talent Trust Scholarship Recipients including the Nova Scotia Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship, and CN Halifax Community Board Scholarship Recipients

CIRCUS ARTS RECIPIENT
Juggling

• Luca Haase, Conquerall Mills

DANCE RECIPIENTS
Ballet

• Sahara Nyathi, Halifax
• Maggie Oates-Johnson, Dartmouth
• Katrina Ouellette, Middle Sackville, NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship
• Emma Purdy, Debert
• Aidan Vaudreuil-Wakeham, Lower Sackville

Ballet/Contemporary

• Julia Barkhouse, Dartmouth
• Sienna Nyathi, Halifax

Bharathanatyam

• Priyadarshini Satheesh, Halifax

Contemporary

• Minuet Charron, Halifax
• Stan Tonin, Windsor Junction
• Gabrielle Trudel, Timberlea

FILM
Film Production

• Reva Bhardwaj, Dartmouth, CN Halifax Community Board Scholarship

Producing, Writing, Directing

• Spencer MacKay, Windsor Junction, NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship

LITERARY ARTS RECIPIENTS
Creative Essay

• K.R. Byggdin, Halifax

Creative Nonfiction

• Peggy Walt, Halifax

Short Fiction/Poetry

• Sidney Robichaud, Halifax,

MUSIC RECIPIENTS
Brass – Euphonium

• Ross Macintosh, Truro

Brass – Trumpet

• Shaw Nicholson, Halifax

Composition

• Kayleigh James, Halifax
• Jessica MacIsaac, Halifax

Gaelic Culture/Fiddle

• Abby Hanson, Montague Gold Mines
• Ella Hanson, Montague Gold Mines

Keyboard – Organ

• Gabriel O'Brien, Halifax

Keyboard – Piano

• Sherry Chen, Hammonds Plains
• Natalia Comeau, Hammonds Plains
• Devin Huang, Bedford
• Lala Lee, Halifax
• Carmen Peng, Wolfville
• Chantal Peng, Wolfville
• Alex Yang, Bedford

Percussion/Drumkit

• Lucas Goudie, Halifax

Strings – Cello

• Jacob MacDonald, Upper Kennetcook, NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship

Strings – Violin

• Kelvin Mansaray, Halifax

Voice - Opera

• Rhian Merritt, Upper Tantallon
• Natalie Mitchell, Halifax
• Nicole Ross, New Glasgow
• Abigail Sinclair, Halifax
• Shanice Skinner, New Glasgow
• Connie Young, Halifax

THEATRE RECIPIENTS
Acting

• Kevin Munroe, Sydney

Musical Theatre

• Ryan MacDougall, Hammonds Plains
• Deanna Mann, New Glasgow
• Emily O’Leary, Glace Bay, NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship
• Jillian Peters, Dartmouth

VISUAL/FINE ARTS RECIPIENTS
Architecture

• Charles Bourne, Halifax

Digital Media, Digital Illustration 

• Leena Elkhatteeb , Bedford

Drawing, Textiles

• Madeleine West, Halifax

Expanded Painting, Art History

• Excel Garay, Halifax

Fine Arts

• Olivia Haill, Halifax

Interdisciplinary/Computation Arts

• Jonah McKay, Canning

Jewellery, Hollowware

• Hannah Craig, Halifax, NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship

Painting

• Anna Syme, Hantsport

Portraiture

• Kaya Panthier, Halifax

Sculpture/Illustration

• Ada Denil, Halifax

 

 

CN Halifax Community Board believes in the future of Nova Scotia Artists

Supporting Nova Scotia students on their way to pursue an artistic career is a joy and privilege. Also, partnering with an international corporation like CN through the CN Halifax Community Board for an annual named scholarship is an honour. 

“The Nova Scotia Talent Trust 

highlights exceptional commitments for Nova Scotians to become established artists. The CN Halifax Community Board is honoured to support these scholarships for emerging NS artists with a focus on supporting people and arts, a core principle not only of our board but also a corporate philosophy at CN," states Alan Abraham, Chair, CN Community Board

It is with excitement the Nova Scotia Talent Trust announces the CN Halifax Community Board Scholarship. In spring 2021, CN Halifax Community Board approved a grant of $25,000, which has been invested throuand will support the named scholarship for years to come. 

“The investment in our next generation of Nova Scotia’s artists will enhance and further our cultural landscape. Not only will the monetary support help our scholarship recipients pay for their studies, but it also reaffirms their hard work to become established artists in their discipline. We thank the CN Halifax Community Board for believing in our Nova Scotia artists,” says NSTT Executive Director Jacqueline Steudler. 

The annual CN Halifax Community Board Scholarship of $1,000 will be presented annually to a scholarship recipient who shows exceptional commitment and professional potential as an artist. The first recipient selected by the Scholarship Selection Committee of the NSTT will be announced on September 15, 2021. 

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 19,500-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

About Nova Scotia Talent Trust

Since 1944, the Talent Trust has provided more than $2 million to over 1,000 Nova Scotians, primarily young people, who have demonstrated talent and potential to become professional artists in theatre, dance, fine craft and design, music, circus arts, media, film, literary, and visual arts. There is no other comparable organization in the country. In 2019, the Talent Trust celebrated its 75th anniversary year featuring former scholarship recipients with a travelling art exhibition, pop-up events in theatre, music, dance, film screenings and more.  

Want to hear more about the Talent Trust? Please sign up for our newsletter.

 

Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

Join the Talent Trust's Blue Nose Marathon Team 2021

The Talent Trust is running and walking for creativity and art education in 2021 at the Blue Nose Marathon November 6 and 7, 2021.

Last year we were able to fundraise $4,765 for our scholarship fund. Let's make an even more significant impact this year. (smile)

We wondered if you are a runner or walker? 

"I'm not a runner, so I will walk 5 km again", says our Executive Director Jacqueline Steudler with a smile.

We are looking for Talent Trust Team members that will participate and fundraise for the Talent Trust by running/walking at the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon.

There are various runs that you can sign up for. Although the plans are for some limited in-person runs, there is also a virtual possibility. 

Virtual means that you run or walk safely in your neighbourhood. You'll still get a Blue Nose Marathon T-shirt and medal. This means that you can participate even if you live outside of Nova Scotia (smile). 

Join our team today by using the following registration link. You'll be automatically added to our team with this link.
https://raceroster.com/events/2021/47356/scotiabank-blue-nose-marathon/register?team=316112

Not sure what to expect when going to the page above? Have a look at this video, which gives you the registration information you need. (If you're a minor your parent has to sign you up.)
https://app.searchie.io/watch/Ml2RkMLjDa/

Amanda Peters: Writers' Trust of Canada Raising Star

Congratulations to former Talent Trust scholarship recipient Amanda Peters for being named one of the Writers' Trust of Canada Raising Stars!

From Amanda:

“I’m honoured and humbled to be chosen to participate in this year’s Writers Trust Rising Stars Program. To be among such talent is very exciting and to get to work with Katherena Vermette, a writer I admire so much, is truly amazing.”

More about Amanda:

Amanda Peters is a mixed-race woman of Mi’kmaq and European ancestry, born and raised in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. In 2016, while working full time for her home community of Glooscap First Nation, she completed the Certificate in Creative Writing at the University of Toronto. That same year, Amanda was a finalist for the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia Short Fiction Award. 

In 2017, she won the short fiction award for her story Crows. Also, in 2017 the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia awarded Amanda the Alistair MacLeod Mentorship, where she worked with writer and mentor Stephanie Domet.  Amanda was a finalist in 2018 for the Indigenous Voices Award for her short story, “Pejipug.” Also in 2018, Amanda received the RBC Emerging Artist bursary to attend the Emerging Writers Intensive at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. 

In 2020, Amanda was awarded the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust. Amanda is currently enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing at the Institute of American Indians Arts (IAIA) in New Mexico. She has recently been shortlisted for the 2021 Indigenous Voices Award for her work of short fiction Waiting for the Long Night Moon. 

Amanda was also selected to participate in the 2021 Writers Trust of Canada Rising Stars Program by Metis poet and novelist, Katherena Vermette. Her short fiction has been published in The Antigonish Review, Grain Magazine and The Alaska Quarterly Review. 

Want to hear more about the Talent Trust? Please sign up for our newsletter.

Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

Meet K.R. Byggdin 2021 Talent Trust Ambassador

You might wonder how the scholarship recipients are coping with the changed study situation. You'll be amazed to see how they continue to train, study, practice, exercise with online courses or self-study programs that they invented for themselves. They are dedicated to their craft.

One of the artists who are training from their home's safety is creative fiction writer K.R. Byggdin. K.R. is our 2021 Talent Trust Ambassador. At this time, they are enrolled as a full-time student at Dalhousie University. K.R. wrote the following about their studying experience during a pandemic and the impact that your support makes.

Here is what K.R. Byggdin told us about the last year and what the Talent Trust scholarship made possible: 

"Studying the arts in the midst of a global pandemic is a unique and, at times, stressful experience. 

My Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarship helped ease my financial worries to focus on honing my creative writing

practice entirely. 

The artist’s life can be a lonely one in these socially distanced times, and I appreciate the many ways NSTT supports and spotlights their scholarship recipients. 

These efforts are crucial in reminding artists that we are connected to communities that welcome and celebrate our contributions. 

It’s encouraging to know there are many people out there who want to see emerging artists such as myself succeed.

 

As a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, I believe it’s so important that every Nova Scotian feels represented and reflected in our province’s arts scene. The NSTT’s scholarship program is one meaningful way we can ensure that artists from a diversity of backgrounds have the chance to share their amazing work with the world for decades to come. 

Thank you again for investing in this vibrant artistic future. I’m grateful for the support of donors like you.

Sincerely,

K.R. Byggdin

they/them"

You can follow K.R. Byggdin create on their Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/krbyggdin or read more about their upcoming writing projects on their website at https://krbyggdin.com/writing/

Please consider to donate to the Talent Trust in 2021. 

All donations are 100% applied to scholarships and named awards.

We will issue tax-deductible donation receipts for all amounts.

You can donate by cheque, e-transferor online with your credit card at nstalenttrust.ca

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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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