QUEBEC CITY, May 26, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Centre de la francophonie des Amériques, with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, is proud to present "Constellation francophone – ouvrons les portes". The event, which will highlight the vitality and diversity of the country's dynamic Francophonie, is part of the Canada 150 celebrations. It will include major events in six Canadian communities, featuring more than 400 artists and a network of "interactive digital doorways". Above all, Constellation francophone is a dialogue between communities. It will involve a full year of festivities that showcase a diversified and inclusive Francophonie, as well as the pride and identity of millions of Francophones.
The communities are the stars!
Developed out of a desire to celebrate the Francophone presence in the Americas, this project seeks to bring communities to life, as well as bring them together. "The concept of Constellation francophone is rooted in the geographic vastness of the Americas. When linked together, the Francophone communities dispersed across this immense space form constellations. Thus, just like stars, these communities shine and demonstrate inspiring longevity. When connected, they form constellations of memories, historical narratives, lived experiences, artists and accents!" explains Diane Blais, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques.
Opening doors to Francophone communities
A key highlight of the celebrations will be the "digital doorways" set up across Canada, to serve as genuine connectors between communities. They will allow residents of 12 host communities to communicate directly with one another. The doorways will be available on June 23 and 24 in Edmonton, Moncton/Dieppe, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saskatoon, Toronto, Victoria, Whitehorse and Winnipeg, as well as in other communities that will be announced shortly.
More than 400 participating artists!
Constellation francophone is also a television megaproduction that will be broadcast on the TFO and UNIS networks. Filming will take place on June 24, when more than 400 artists will perform on six stages in communities across the country: Moncton/Dieppe (Place 1604), Ottawa (Major's Hill Park), Quebec City (Parc de la Francophonie), Toronto (Harbourfront), Whitehorse (Shipyards Park) and Winnipeg (The Forks). These events will feature well-known Francophone and Francophile artists, up-and-coming artists, and Indigenous artists. The television programs will be broadcast in the fall, presenting highlights from each of the local events, interspersed with commentary from artists, members of the public and key figures in the Canadian Francophonie.
Everyone is invited
By way of a live webcast, Constellation francophone is also reaching out to Francophones from throughout the Americas. They're invited to celebrate with our artists by organizing "kitchen parties" in their own communities. Indeed, on June 24, performances from all six stages will be simulcast at constellationfranco.ca. Online presenters will introduce the event and provide commentary on festivities covering four times zones! Join the party!
"We are proud to support the celebrations of Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Fête nationale du Québec et de la Francophonie canadienne. Canada 150 celebrations offer a great opportunity to open doors and build bridges between different Francophone communities in Canada, and demonstrate that the Francophonie is alive and more dynamic than ever. I invite all Canadians to take advantage of this symbolic day to celebrate the French language and culture from coast to coast to coast."—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"On June 24, as Quebecers collectively observe the Fête Nationale, Canadians from across the country celebrate the French language. These festivities are particularly appropriate on the 150th anniversary of Confederation, since French is fundamental to the identity of both Quebec and Canada. Constellation francophone will transport Quebecers and all Canadians from one end of the country to the other, giving them a window on the vitality and diversity that define today's Canadian Francophonie. On June 24, 2017, we will all come together to celebrate the French language." – Jean-Marc Fournier, Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie
Details on the celebrations planned for June 24 will be announced in each community during the weeks of June 5 and 12.
Constellation francophone is an event organized by the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage and numerous partners.
constellationfranco.ca
Facebook: Constellation-Francophone
SOURCE Centre de la francophonie des Amériques
and interviews: Jean-Sébastien Brousseau, Pointcomm, T: 418 529-8270, C: 418 953-4749, [email protected]
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