Dalhousie and NSCC arts programs get $1.25 million dollars in upgrades

A Dalhousie University sign is seen in Halifax. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

CITYnews halifax \ By Dan Ahlstrand

University arts students in Nova Scotia will benefit from a gift of more than a million dollars from a private foundation.

A long-time supporter of students and educators across Nova Scotia, the J&W Foundation has contributed $1.25 million to the Fountain School of Performing Arts, which will help support both Dalhousie and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) students.

According to a news release, Nova Scotia songwriter and producer Erin Costelo recently gave a masterclass on recording production, sharing her expertise with students from Dalhousie’s Fountain School of Performing Arts and NSCC as part of a series of masterclasses made possible through the J&W Murphy Foundation’s gift.

The injection of funds will also go towards advanced recording production equipment in the new Joseph Strug Hall in the Dalhousie Arts Centre, which will help to create a leading-edge learning environment for Dalhousie and NSCC students.

“You need a high level of technology to function as an art school nowadays, so this gift truly raises that aspect of our work,” says Dr. Jérôme Blais, Director of the Fountain School of Performing Arts, in the release.

“Having a talented producer like Erin Costelo interact directly with students is the perfect way for them to gain a deep understanding and appreciation of the recording and production process.”

Additional masterclasses employing Strug Hall and the recording equipment are being programmed, and the equipment will be used for other classes and events at the venue.