Canadian artists seeking international recognition will be assisted by a new agreement between the Canada Council for the Arts and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) – two organisations which hold distinct roles in the promotion of Canadian art and artists abroad. In 2001-2002, the Canada Council for the Arts invested CA$2.7 million in programs aimed at the international promotion of arts organisations, according to a statement from the council. An additional CA$667,282 was provided in the form of international travel grants to individual artists. In the same year, DFAIT, which has traditionally focused on promoting and enhancing a positive image of Canada abroad, invested CA$7 million in the promotion and international touring of Canadian companies and exhibitions. Both organisations have now agreed to collaborate on a project aimed at streamlining the efforts of both partners. 'By pooling our expertise, we think we can facilitate our cultural expansion abroad,' remarked Canada Council for the Arts Director, Shirley L Thomson. 'The recent success of Canadian artists on the international scene shows that we are definitely on the right track.' DFAIT agrees: Arts and Cultural Industries Promotion Director, Curtis Barlow, acknowledged that the effort will enable the two organisations to run with greater efficiency, and will subsequently be of benefit to the country's arts community. 'The guidelines will encourage open communication and transparency that will enable us to avoid duplication of effort and will reinforce our work in areas of overlap,' he commented. 'Ultimately, it will benefit the arts community itself.' Areas in which the two organisations will work in close collaboration include grant programs, information sharing and the development of joint initiatives involving the foreign exchange of artists both to and from Canada.