For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer L. Swain, 570-265-7455

For Immediate Release
January 29, 2008

Donation Establishes Craft Marketing & Development Initiative Fund

The Northern Tier Cultural Alliance (NTCA) is pleased to announce the establishment of a “Craft Marketing & Development Initiative Fund,” created with a generous contribution from a local family.

The resources of the Fund will be used to finance projects and programs “that develop, support and market the region’s artisans, craftspeople, and craft industry while creating an economically and philosophically viable environment to support these entrepreneurs, artisans and tradition bearers.”

An initial donation of $10,000 was made by the Trask Family of Mansfield to establish the Fund. Long-time residents and supporters of the Mansfield community, the Trasks made the donation in order to support Northern Pennsylvania art and craft traditions and related projects that would serve as an economic stimulus for the region.

“We appreciate the generosity of this donation and the Trask Family’s support of our Northern Tier art and craft heritage and communities,” NTCA Executive Director Jennifer L. Swain said. “The Family has pledged additional support to the Fund and we encourage others to join that effort, through donations of any size. There's a lot going on in the Northern Tier right now and this Fund will help keep that momentum and excitement going.”

The Northern Tier Cultural Alliance (NTCA) was formed in 1995 by volunteers who had been engaged in a cultural inventory of the area as part of a 1992 Pennsylvania Heritage Commission project. Even as representatives of local cultural and heritage organizations themselves, they had been overwhelmed with the wonderful, largely unsung artistry and heritage of the region. They shaped a mission of “educating the public about cultural traditions, history and art of the Pennsylvania Northern Tier and to assist tradition bearers and traditional artists in the preservation of their work.”

NTCA’s projects and programs include: “From Heart to Hand” – an annual regional exhibit showcasing the work of folk and traditional artists living and working in the Northern Tier; the “Artist Gathering” – an annual event offering regional artists a chance to share information and learn about various artist opportunities; and the PA North Country Artisan Center & Store – a space that provides retail space and assistance to local artists and food producers and education on the various art forms that can be found in the Northern Tier.

For additional information on NTCA or to make a donation to the Craft Development & Marketing Initiative Fund, contact Jennifer L. Swain at 570-265-7455 or jenn@ntculturalalliance.org.

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