Government of Canada Invests More Than $30,000 for Arts and Heritage in Prince George Français
Jan 23, 2019, 11:50 ET
Funding from the Government of Canada will support festivals and performing art organizations
PRINCE GEORGE, BC, Jan. 23, 2019 /CNW/ - Mr. Gary Anandasangaree, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism (Multiculturalism), announced today investments of more than $30,000 in support of festivals and performing arts in Prince George. Anandasangaree made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
The Government of Canada is providing support to three organizations in Prince George:
The Prince George Folkfest Society has received $15,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) for Coldsnap, one of Canada's premier winter music festivals. Coldsnap showcases a wide variety of live professional folk, world and popular music. It also offers free admission to low-income groups for a truly inclusive and accessible event.
The Theatre NorthWest Society has received $10,000 through the CAPF for the Theatre NorthWest Presentation Series of innovative and experimental plays, including 20 performances for young audiences.
Le Cercle des Canadiens-Français de Prince George has received $5,900 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for the 34th edition of the FRANCOFUN winter festival, which promotes the work of local artists, artisans and heritage performers.
By investing in festivals and the performing arts, these programs allow Canadians to discover and appreciate artists in their communities while also encouraging diversity and inclusion.
Quotes
"Arts and culture bring people together, celebrate diversity and contribute to our quality of life. That is why our government is proud to support the Prince George Folkfest Society, the Theatre NorthWest Society and le Cercle des Canadiens-Français de Prince George. Their work helps to enrich the lives of local residents through their vision and service."
—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"At this time of year, when arts festivals and performances are not as abundant as they are in the summer, it is important to find ways to engage audiences. I am pleased to make today's announcement in support of these festivals and performances groups, which brighten and warm the Prince George community during the coldest months of the year. We are committed to ensuring arts and culture projects continue to thrive in the region all year round."
—Gary Anandasangaree, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism (Multiculturalism)
"The Canada Arts Presentation Fund helps our organization bring high-calibre musicians from across Canada and around the world to northern British Columbia, creating opportunities for the artists to broaden their audiences, and for smaller, remote communities in our region to experience world-class performances. The funding also allows us to present our visiting artists in free events during the Coldsnap Festival, in order to keep music accessible to all members of our community. With the support of Canadian Heritage, we are able to meet our goal of using live music to bring our community together to celebrate our northern culture, and to promote understanding and communication between all cultures."
—Sue Judge, Artistic and Executive Director, Prince George Folkfest Society
Quick Facts
Coldsnap, presented annually by the Prince George Folkfest Society, is one of Canada's most popular winter music festivals that draws artists and audiences together on cold winter nights for unforgettable experiences. Coldsnap is a nine-day event and is entirely volunteer-driven. This year's festival will take place from January 25 to February 2.
The Theatre NorthWest Society is the only professional theatre organization in north-central British Columbia, reaching a broad cross-section of the community through a variety of stimulating programming. Theatre NorthWest strives to inspire, invigorate, educate and entertain by reflecting and illuminating the aspirations and concerns of both the community and the world. The organization is marking its 25th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1960, le Cercle des Canadiens-Français de Prince George provides opportunities to embrace and celebrate the French language, culture and heritage with Francophones and Francophiles in the community. Every February, le Cercle hosts FRANCOFUN, its annual winter festival, featuring arts and culture activities. Le Cercle previously received $25,000 in support for FRANCOFUN through the Official Languages Funding Programs. FRANCOFUN runs from February 1 to 10.
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund provides financial assistance to organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series (arts presenters) and organizations that offer support to arts presenters.
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program increases opportunities for local artists, artisans, heritage performers or specialists to be involved in their community through festivals, events and projects. It also allows local groups to commemorate their local history and heritage.
Related Products
Investing in Official Languages in British Columbia
Associated Links
Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
Canada Arts Presentation Fund
Prince George Folkfest Society – Coldsnap Festival
TNW North West Society
Le Cercle des Canadiens-Français de Prince George
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
For further information: For more information (media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca
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