Harper Government Supports Jobs and Growth in Edmonton Through Investments in Culture

EDMONTON, April 20, 2012 /CNW/ - New investments in arts and culture in the Edmonton region are helping boost the economy and create jobs. Support for nine arts organizations in Edmonton was announced today by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister for Status of Women, and Member of Parliament (Edmonton-Spruce Grove), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding will support a range of organizations that share the common goal of providing residents and visitors to Edmonton with rich cultural experiences. They are receiving this support through two endowment foundations: the Edmonton Community Foundation and the Edmonton Symphony & Concert Hall Foundation. The organizations receiving support today include the Brian Webb Dance Company, the Citadel Theatre, the National Theatre School of Canada, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival Society, the Edmonton Opera Association, the Fringe Theatre Adventures Society, the Richard Eaton Singers, the Works International Visual Arts Society, and the Edmonton Symphony Society.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in important arts organizations," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these Edmonton organizations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"The Government of Canada is proud to support these arts organizations and foundations," said Minister Ambrose. "The Edmonton Community Foundation and the Edmonton Symphony and Concert Hall Foundation play a key role in ensuring that groups such as the Edmonton Symphony Society and other worthy arts organizations can continue to offer great performances and cultural experiences to residents and visitors."

"This is a great initiative from Canadian Heritage that recognizes the fundraising efforts of arts organizations," said Kathy Hawkesworth, Edmonton Community Foundation's Director of Donor Services. "We are pleased to work with these organizations as they build their endowments that support their organization now and in the future. This funding has contributed enormously to Edmonton's vibrant arts community and will again in the future."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $833,772 to two endowment foundations in Edmonton to manage and invest on behalf of nine arts organizations. Funding is provided through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund, which encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations.

This year, the Government of Canada is providing 81 cents for every dollar donated by the private sector. Since 2006, this program has provided more than $97 million to various endowment funds in Canada, while the private sector has provided $145 million, for a total of more than $242 million.

For more information, see the attached backgrounder.

BACKGROUNDER
Grants managed by the Edmonton Community Foundation:
Brian Webb Dance Company	$4,093
Citadel Theatre (The)	$26,604
National Theatre School of Canada	$163,715
Edmonton Folk Music Festival Society	$102,322
Edmonton Opera Association	$75,994
Fringe Theatre Adventures Society (1995)	$81,858
Richard Eaton Singers	$1,842
The Works International Visual Arts Society	$40,929
Edmonton Symphony Society	$1,618
TOTAL FOR THE EDMONTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION:	$498,975
Grant managed by the Edmonton Symphony & Concert Hall Foundation:
Edmonton Symphony Society	$334,797
GRAND TOTAL	$833,772

 

For further information:

(media only), please contact:

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

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[e-mail]

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