FREDERICTON (GNB) – Seven young New Brunswick artists will represent the province at the international cultural competition of the 8th Games of La Francophonie, which will take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, July 21 to 30.

The Comité international des Jeux de la Francophonie, the committee responsible for making the final selection of artists for each cultural competition at the Games, announced the members of Team Canada – New Brunswick during a news conference in Paris.

New Brunswick artists between the ages of 18 and 35 were invited to apply for eight cultural competitions: painting, sculpture, song, storytelling, original dance, literature, photography and digital creation. The final selection of the artists was made by an international jury that considered artistic merit and the quality of each artist’s proposal.

Team Canada - New Brunswick will be represented by the following artists:

  • Émilie-Grace Lavoie (sculpture – installation)
  • Raphaël Butler (song)
  • Stéphanie David (storytelling)
  • Gabriel Robichaud (literature)
  • Annie-France Noël (photography)
  • Deanna Musgrave (painting)
  • Alisa Arsenault (digital creation)

“We are proud of the young artists who will represent New Brunswick at this unique international event,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames. “The Games represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young New Brunswickers to perform on an international stage and to gain experience that will help further their excellence in their chosen artistic fields.”

Artists at the Games present their work in a competitive setting and participate in workshops and exchanges with other artists. This gives competitors the opportunity to form relationships that can lead to future creative and professional opportunities.

Held every four years, the Games of La Francophonie is the only major international competition that includes both sporting and artistic divisions for member states and governments of La Francophonie. The Canadian delegation is divided into three teams: Canada, Canada – New Brunswick, and Canada – Quebec.

“I know that our athletes and artists will represent our province with pride,” said Ames. “They will create increased visibility for New Brunswick as we begin preparations to host the 9th Games of la Francophonie in Canada’s only officially bilingual province.”

Following Abidjan, the next Games will be held in New Brunswick in 2021.

 

01-12-16