A Springboard for Emerging Musical Talent in Rouyn-Noranda

The Government of Canada supports the 15th Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

ROUYN-NORANDA, QC, June 7, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, along with the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development, announce that the Government of Canada has agreed to provide financial assistance to Collectif 08, to support its presentation of the 15th Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (FMEAT), which will be held in Rouyn-Noranda from August 31 to September 3, 2017.

The amount of $50,000, granted by Canadian Heritage through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, will allow the public to hear music from various emerging artists, who will use this forum to showcase their talent.

The financial assistance granted by CED totals $191,120 over three years (2015, 2016 and 2017) in the form of a non-repayable contribution, under the Quebec Economic Development Program. In 2017, an amount of $63,993 will, among other things, allow the Festival to promote itself in foreign markets and showcase it as one of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region's tourism attractions. Promoting this cultural event will not only help diversify the region's economy through tourism revenue, but also help attract a number of visitors from around the world.

Quotes

"This year, as we mark Canada 150, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate the country's linguistic, cultural and regional diversity. The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects such as the Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, which encourages Canadian artists to envision our country's future and help shape our cultural landscape."

– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue offers a unique window into the Quebec arts scene and generates significant media buzz and tourism for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. We are pleased to support this important cultural event, which contributes to the region's international influence."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

"In 2017, the Festival de musique émergente will be celebrating its 15th anniversary. We are proud that, year after year, up-and-coming and independent music from Quebec and Canada has a chance to shine, along with the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region's culture. Come and join us for four days of music and festivities!"

- Olivier Leidgens, Executive Director of the Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Quick Facts

Collectif 08 is the organization that runs the Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Its mission is to foster music distribution, to promote up-and-coming musicians, to help keep the region vibrant, and to facilitate networking among artists and creators in the emerging music scene.

Over a four-day period, the Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue presents concerts that feature emerging musical talent.

Performances take place at 18 locations throughout Rouyn-Noranda, which accommodate audiences of between 125 to 6,000.

Associated Links

Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue fmeat.org
Canada Arts Presentation Fund canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1452621893765/1452621979961
Quebec Economic Development Program dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/agency/programs/qedp/index.html

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

For more information (media only), please contact: Pierre-Olivier Herbert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-8818, [email protected]