Harper Government Invests in Yukon's Vibrant Arts Scene

WHITEHORSE, Jan. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Yukon's arts scene is thriving, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Funding was announced today by Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament (Yukon), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The announcement took place at the Yukon Arts Centre, the territory's premier venue for performing and visual arts. The Centre is home to many artistic and musical acts during Whitehorse's annual Frostbite Music Festival and throughout the year. Projects receiving funding include the Dawson City Music Festival Association, the Frostbite Music Society, the All-City Band Society, the Dawson City Museum Society, and the Literary Society of the Klondike.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to support cultural programming like that being delivered in Dawson City and Whitehorse," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these activities, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"Investing in arts and heritage is central to the economic health of communities across Canada," said Mr. Leef. "Thanks to this investment, artists and arts organizations in Dawson City and Whitehorse can continue to offer great performances and cultural experiences."

"The Frostbite Music Festival has a rich history of providing local artists and audiences with the opportunity to engage with emerging and established national talent," said Andrea Burgoyne, Producer, Frostbite Music Festival. "We are appreciative of the Government of Canada's continued support of Yukon's vibrant cultural community."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $160,009 under four programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, the Canada Cultural Investment Fund (Strategic Initiatives) and the Canada Periodical Fund. For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)

BACKGROUNDER

Today's announcement includes the following projects:

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

• All-City Band Society - Music For Winter's Eve (2011-2012), $2,300

Canada Arts Presentation Fund
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund 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.

• Arts Society - Dawson City Arts Society Performing Arts Series (2012-2013 and 2013-2014), $15,000
• Dawson City Music Festival Association - 34^th and 35^th Dawson City Music Festival and concert series (2012-2013 and 2013-2014), $64,000
• Frostbite Music Society - Frostbite Music Festival (2011-2012), $24,000

Canada Cultural Investment Fund (Strategic Initiatives Component)
The Strategic Initiatives component provides funding for initiatives supported by multiple partners and impacting multiple organizations. Supported projects help arts and heritage organizations build and diversify their revenue streams, and strengthen their management capacities/business competencies.

• Dawson City Museum Society - Strategic Initiatives in Web Development (2010-2011), $50,000

Canada Periodical Fund (Aid to Publishers Component)
The Canada Periodical Fund provides funding to Canadian print magazines, non-daily newspapers, and digital periodicals to enable them to overcome market disadvantages and continue to provide Canadian readers with the content they choose to read.

• Literary Society of the Klondike - The Klondike Sun (2011-2012), $2,315
• Association Franco-Yukonnaise - L'aurore boréale (2011-2012), $2,394

For more information (media only), please contact: