News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Young artists from New Brunswick have the chance to be part of Team Canada-New Brunswick and compete in the international cultural competition of the eighth Games of La Francophonie. The Games will take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from July 21 to 31, 2017.

Young artists from all cultural backgrounds are encouraged to submit their applications for consideration. Apart from specific requirements for the song, literature and storytelling categories, the competition is open to all New Brunswickers regardless of their language preference.

“It is an honour for New Brunswick to take part in the 2017 Games of La Francophonie,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser. “This international sporting and cultural event has special significance for our province because it provides a unique showcase for our culture talents and is a fine way to celebrate our unique and diverse cultural heritage. This edition of the Games will be all the more special because of New Brunswick’s candidacy to host the 2021 Games in Moncton and Dieppe.”

The Games of La Francophonie are held every four years. They bring together thousands of young people who excel in athletic and cultural activities from participating countries and governments of the Francophonie. The Games are a cultural celebration, a time of exchange between young people of many nations, and an opportunity to showcase the talents of rising stars in a variety of disciplines. The last Games were held in Nice, France, in 2013. Four artists from New Brunswick participated in the cultural competitions.

“We invite all young New Brunswick artists to take part in the cultural competitions that are an important part of these games,” said Fraser. “This promises to be a cultural adventure and an opportunity for New Brunswick artists to compete and showcase their talents on the international stage.”

Artists between the ages of 18 and 35 may take part in the cultural competition of the Games in one of eight disciplines: painting, sculpture, song, storytelling, original dance, literature (short story), photography and digital creation. Selected artists will be part of Team Canada-New Brunswick.

The Canadian delegation to the Games of La Francophonie is made up of three teams: Canada, Canada-Quebec and Canada-New Brunswick.

The deadline for submissions is May 15. Guidelines and application forms can be found online.