​SHOW FEATURING SENIOR ARTISTS IN ST. JOHN'S

Newfoundland Stories show to support creation of affordable housing project

Working as a professional artist doesn’t come with a set retirement age. Nor does it usually come with a pension and artists’ incomes can fluctuate significantly. The fact is that the overwhelming majority of artists do not retire.

 

PAL Canada Foundation is a national charitable organization dedicated to supporting elder and disadvantaged members of Canada’s arts and entertainment community. 

 

This show at the Arts and Culture Centre is the first step in forming a PAL Canada chapter here in St. John’s.

 

NEWFOUNDLAND STORIES - WOVEN THROUGH THE LENS OF SENIOR ARTISTS features Geoff Adams, Lawrence Barry, Helena Eleume, George Masswohl, Jillian Rees-Brown, and Bernardine Stapleon, sharing deeply personal journeys of trials, trauma, and triumph through story and song.

 

Woven together by acclaimed Canadian director June Cupido, each story weaves into a larger emotional narrative, fostering awareness and connection across all ages, abilities, and identities. The show's music is coordinated by renowned Canadian musical director David Warrick.

 

NEWFOUNDLAND STORIES - WOVEN THROUGH THE LENS OF SENIOR ARTISTS plays for three performances only this weekend at the Barbara Barrett Theatre at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre - Saturday March 22 at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday March 23 at 2pm. Tickets available by calling the Arts and Culture Centre at 709-729-3900 or online via artsandculturecentre.com.

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ABOUT PAL CANADA

Through its Supporting Cast program, PAL Canada provides both in-person and virtual services that help alleviate isolation and ensure elder artists can live with dignity and security. The program also offers essential volunteer home services, such as household chores, grocery shopping, transportation to medical and dental appointments, and companionship for those in need.

 

In addition to these services, PAL Canada facilitates affordable housing for artists through its chapters in Toronto, Vancouver, and Stratford. A residence is currently in development in Ottawa, while efforts continue toward establishing housing in Calgary, Halifax, and Winnipeg.

 

PAL Canada also fosters community engagement through fundraising events and creative initiatives that support artists’ well-being. Programs like Newfoundland Stories bring artists together and raise awareness about the need for local Supporting Cast programs and affordable housing solutions.

 

With support from the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, Newfoundland Stories aims to strengthen the artistic community in St. John’s and across Newfoundland and Labrador. The long-term vision includes developing a Supporting Cast program and ultimately establishing a PAL residence in St. John’s to provide affordable housing for artists in need.