Ninteen seniors groups will be provided funding through the Learning Arts Elders Program (LEAP).
“LEAP provides Island seniors the opportunity work with artists to develop new or reinforce their artistic skills; while at the same time, artists are given the opportunity to draw on the wisdom, experience and energy of our Island seniors,” said Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour Minister Carolyn Bertram, who announced the funding along with the P.E.I. Senior Citizen’s Federation.
LEAP was launched last fall by the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. It is a project-based initiative designed to provide Island seniors with the opportunity to learn various artistic disciplines from local artists. The program funding enables local seniors’ groups to hire professional and semi-professional artists to teach various artistic disciplines.
The province has committed $50,000 this year to LEAP; $40,000 will go directly to LEAP projects and $10,000 to the P.E.I. Senior Citizen’s Federation for the administration of the program.
The following are the 19 seniors groups from across the province who have been selected to participate in this year’s program:
• Kensington Happy Group Seniors - Arts & Photography
• Garden Home in Charlottetown - Painting for Fun with Colour
• Riverview Manor in Montague - Senior Masterpieces
• Georgetown Seniors Group - Theatre and Music
• Rosewood Residence in Hunter River - Interactive Music Education
• Le Comite Le Bel Age in Wellington - Creating with Colors
• Le Co-operative d'Hebergement Le Bel Age in Wellington - Reviving Swedish Weaving
• Charlotte Residence in Charlottetown - Storytelling/Performance
• Stewart Memorial in Tyne Valley - A Picture in Time
• The Stay A While Day Program in Montague - Stay A While for Painting and Singing
• Colville Manor in Souris - Seaside Treasures for Seniors
• Wedgewood Manor in Summerside - Celebration of Seasons
• Maplewood Manor in Alberton - The Story of My Life
• Summerset Manor in Summerside - Clay Awakening
• Silver Threads Seniors' Club in Souris - Pottery
• Star of the Sea in North Rustico - Drama Society Musical Production
• Clyde River Women’s Institute - Media Quilting and Personal Illustrations
• Cornwall & Area 50+ Club - Personal Journal with Illustrations & Stories
• Lot 16 Senior's Club / Parkview in Summerside - Painting, Poetry and Prose
“We are very pleased with the success of the LEAP program, and the high level of interest shown from seniors groups and organizations across the Island,” said Executive Director Linda Jean Nicholson. “This wonderful program aids in expanding life skills and reinforcing personal confidence in a safe, stimulating atmosphere. The Federation is honoured to play a part in administering this outstanding program.”
LEAP is funded by the Prince Edward Island Depar tment of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, and administered through the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation.
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susan shillingford from Sidney, BC writes: What a fabulous program you have for both seniors and artists in your province.
What a great concept.
Perhaps other provinces who don't have a similar program will find inspiration in PEI S LEAP.
It was gratifying reading such an uplifting story in your paper, even reading it all the way from across the country.
BC has just had enormous cuts to both social and arts funding....maybe one day they will figure it out- keeping people's spirits up, giving meaning and focus through bringing the arts to everyone...you have it so right.
S.Shillingford
Sidney, BC
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