Province continues investments in the arts and creative industries

PEI’s economy continues to benefit from the dedication, creativity, and contributions of its professional artists.

Through Innovation PEI’s broad range of support programs, over 400 professional artists and creative organizations have received over 37.6M in the last five years to help further their careers in the arts and creative sector and contribute to the diversification of the Island economy.

“PEI is home to hard-working talent from our traditional industries to our rapidly growing creative fields. As we look to sustainably grow and diversify our Island economy, continued investments in the professional arts’ workforce will help the creative sector position itself as an emerging economic strength to watch.”

- Darlene Compton, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade

Since 2023, as part of PEI’s Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, the Province has organized the PEI Arts Awards to recognize the important economic, social, and cultural contributions of artistic and creative professionals to Prince Edward Island.

This year’s winners include:

• Brenda Whiteway (Father Adrien Arsenault Senior Arts Award)
• Brian Markham, Julie Bull, and the Charlottetown Zine Fest (Leo Cheverie Cultural Connector of the Year Award)
• Confederation Centre Art Gallery: Erica Rutherford Retrospective (Premier’s Award for Stand-Out Project of the Year)
• Indigenous PEI (Organization of the Year Award Winner)
• Inn Echo (Artist of the Year Award)
• Jessica Sheppard (Gertie & Henry Purdy Emerging Visual Arts Bursary)

Learn more about provincial financial supports for PEI’s arts and culture sector here.

Media contact:
Vicki Tse
Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
vickitse@gov.pe.ca