Harper Government invests in the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

RICHMOND HILL, ON, June 25, 2012 /CNW/ - A new investment from the Government of Canada in arts and culture in York Region will stimulate the economy and create jobs by bringing professional entertainment to the area. Funding for the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts was announced today by Costas Menegakis, Member of Parliament (Richmond Hill), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts - operated by the Corporation of the Town of Richmond Hill and located in the heart of the historic downtown - will celebrate the many cultures of York Region from April 1, 2012, to March 31, 2014. Funding will support the Centre's annual series of performances in various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and pop, as well as theatre, dance, comedy, and film. A number of presentations are aimed at youth.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations that celebrate our culture, like the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts," said Minister Moore. "By supporting this organization, our Government is delivering on its commitment to stimulate the economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"Thanks to this investment, the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts will continue to provide residents and visitors with high-quality professional performing arts in various genres," said Mr. Menegakis. "These series will celebrate the diverse cultures of our community and will have a positive social and economic impact on our region."

"The support received from the Government of Canada is invaluable to the programming at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts," said Michael Grit, Theatre Manager, Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. "It provides us with the opportunity to invite artists from around the world to our stage and to our community. The funding received literally brings the world to Richmond Hill."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $70,000 ($35,000 each year for 2012-2013 and 2013-2014) 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.

(media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788

Jillian Lum
Manager, Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416-973-2050
[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.)