Melissa Peter-Paul says receiving an arts grant from the provincial government gives her more time to focus on creating her quillwork boxes – made out of birch bark, sweet grass, porcupine quills and spruce root all harvested by her and her family.

Peter-Paul is among 17 Island artists who recently received a total of $50,000 through the provincial Arts Grants program.

“I’m so grateful for the support from this arts grant,” Peter-Paul said. “Being able to follow in my ancestors footsteps means so much to me and makes me feel so proud to be a Mi’kmaq from Epekwitk.”

The successful applicants were selected by a six-member jury of their arts community peers and follows the same model used by the Canada Council of Arts.

“We’re noticing a very positive ripple effect from the Arts Grants program. The grant helps the artist develop their project or practice, then their work benefits others in the community with the art they’ve created. We’re committed to keeping this momentum going because art is incredibly valuable to our province’s culture and economy.” – Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay

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