SASKATOON, Feb. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Residents of all ages in Saskatoon and surrounding areas will be able to enjoy the arts, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament (Blackstrap), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
With this funding, three Saskatoon arts organizations—the Gustin/Trounce Heritage Committee, the Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival, and the 25th Street Theatre Centre—will provide audiences with access to a variety of professional artistic experiences and outreach activities.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to boost tourism and create jobs and growth throughout Canada," said Minister Moore. "With this investment, we are delivering on our commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."
"These organizations help ensure that people all across Saskatchewan can experience the arts in their community," said Minister of State Yelich. "This investment will benefit the arts, artists, and the local economy."
"For 24 years, the Children's Festival has been part of the cultural ecology of the province, and the funding we receive from the Government of Canada represents a significant investment in the creative experience of our most cherished resource—our kids," said Shauna Bradford-Wilson, Executive Director, Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival. "The world needs dreamers; big things come from empowering others to put dreams into action. This support will encourage us to 'dream big' in 2012."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $92,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
BACKGROUNDER
Funding announced today includes support for the following Saskatoon organizations through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund:
- The Gustin/Trounce Heritage Committee (Lyell Gustin Recital Series) - $3,000
The Lyell Gustin Recital Series will be presented between April 2012 and January 2013. Featuring performances by Canadian musicians in solo piano, cello with piano, and voice with piano, these recitals aim to encourage a deeper understanding of classical music composers, compositions, musicians, and presentations. The series includes three concerts, each preceded by a talk on the music to be performed.
- 25th Street Theatre Centre (PotashCorp Fringe Theatre Festival - Saskatoon) - $14,000
The annual ten-day PotashCorp Fringe Theatre Festival will take place from August 2 to 11, 2012, in the Broadway area of Saskatoon. Held in four different venues, the Festival presents performances by emerging and established theatre groups from Saskatchewan, Canada, and other countries. Kids Fringe offers shows for children and young adults.
- Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival (Dream Big with the 2012 Children's Festival) - $75,000
The 24th annual Saskatchewan Children's Festival will take place from June 3 to 6, 2012, at venues on and around the riverbank in downtown Saskatoon. The Festival includes performances by professional artists in theatre, dance, folk music and comedy. The Festival also partners with community organizations and businesses to offer outreach activities such as SciFi Spaceship, a science-based activity delivered in partnership with engineering students from the University of Saskatchewan.
For further information:
(media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Francine D. Lefebvre
Director
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-983-4367
Cell: 204-899-8611
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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