The New Brunswick Arts Board is an arm’s length arts funding agency with a legislated mandate to facilitate and promote the creation of art as well as administering funding programs for professional artists in the province.
From left to right: Jean-Pierre Caissie, Natasha Sacobie, France Chassé, Madawaska Child and Family Services, Louise Ouellette, Training, Education & Social Director and Councillor, Sue Bélanger comanager Early Learning Centre, Kelly Poirier comanager Early Learning Centre, Alex Bernard, Infrastructure Coordonnator and Councillor and Micheline Plante, Health Director. Absent at the moment of the photo: Chief Patricia Bernard.
Our Indigenous Arts and Cultures Facilitation initiative is designed to engage with First Nation communities in New Brunswick, by facilitating conversations that highlight the value of artistic and cultural initiatives and investments. By listening to community voices, we are working to nurture relationships, strengthen cultural connections, and develop engagement strategies that affirm Indigenous rights and traditions.
We engage in conversations with communities to learn about their ongoing arts and cultural projects, investments and planning. By understanding their unique priorities, we can share insights, provide information on funding opportunities, and help connect artists and cultural workers with resources that support their work. This approach ensures that artistic and cultural development remains community-led and reflective of local traditions and values, while we create opportunities for collaboration and growth.
While many individuals practice arts and crafts, many artists and artisans do not recognize their economic potential, and we aim to bridge this gap by providing resources and informing them of funding opportunities. By working with proactive leadership and existing strengths, we support community-driven cultural development, by offering guidance on available support systems, empowering artists to sustain and expand their creative practices. Our efforts focus on strengthening networks, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and promoting opportunities for Indigenous artists to showcase and grow their work.
Next steps include continuing to engage with communities, identifying collaborative and professional development opportunities, and providing information on funding and capacity-building initiatives. Through ongoing partnerships, we wish to encourage Indigenous-led arts and cultural initiatives, ensuring they continue growing as an integral part of community life.