National Bank teams up once again with the Biennale internationale d'estampe de Trois-Rivières

Montreal, 15 June 2003 - 

The National Bank is proud to be associated, for the third year in a row, with the Biennale internationale d'estampe contemporaine de Trois-Rivières to be held from June 13 to August 31, 2003. As part of the competition and subsequent exhibition, the National Bank will award a prize of $1,000 to one of the 50 participating artists from 50 countries.

An enthusiastic collector of prints for many years, and particularly since 1971 when it set up its own collection, the National Bank continues to pay special attention to original prints when buying works of art. In fact, with a collection that reflects all the important trends in Quebec art over the years, the National Bank's collection demonstrates the vision, accuracy and artistic quality needed by those who practice the art of printmaking.

The National Bank's cultural and symbolic involvement in the visual arts can be summarized as the acquisition, maintenance and exhibition of important works of art, combined with a constant attention to ensuring the cohesiveness and quality of the collection. It is in this same spirit that the National Bank contributes to the enrichment and promotion of art and culture. It is therefore proud to continue its association with the Biennale internationale d'estampe contemporaine de Trois-Rivières.

About the National Bank

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group which provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its customers elsewhere in the world. The National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management, as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. The National Bank has approximately $75 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs over 17,000 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA: TSX). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

Information (the telephone number and e-mail address provided below are for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives):

Denis Dubé
Manager, Public Relations Department
National Bank of Canada
Tel.: (514) 394-8644
E-mail: denis.dube@nbc.ca