IOC champions the arts

Partnerships developed in Canada to nurture and support arts and culture.

Imagine vast and untouched interiors of mountainous wilderness; wide open landscapes; great circular bays with entrances protected by islands teeming with resources and wildlife. Growing up in this environment, it's no surprise the people of Labrador City and Sept-Îles, both in northern Canada are inspired to build communities that value the environment and promote enrichment, unity and sustainability for future generations.

The Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) has been working alongside these communities for over half a century so it makes sense that together they've developed partnerships that nurture and support arts and culture.

Two perfect examples are the new joint ventures between IOC and Memorial University's School of Music in Labrador City and the Salle de spectacle art centre in Sept-Îles where employees and community members are broadening the experiences of young people and the community through the IOC Cultural Dialogue Events.

These events cover a variety of artistic fields including singing, dancing, music and theatre. They offer young talents the chance to meet accomplished artists who share their experience, helping students realise what they can achieve.

With a $15,000 donation from IOC to the Memorial University's School of Music, which runs the largest professional music program in Atlantic Canada, IOC has helped create Labrador City's first ever music conservatory called Northern Soundscapes.

Through the conservatory, student musicians are challenged by a variety of musical pursuits and the chance to share their musical talents with other students in the region.

Similarly, the partnership with the Salle de spectacle has been revitalised with an equivalent donation.

As Vice President of Operations and Engineering J. Michael Shannon explains, through partnerships such as this, IOC has re-affirmed its commitment to community arts and education by supporting innovative projects that will be accessible to all school-aged children.