The Government of Canada preserves Canadian heritage while supporting local artistic talent
MONT-JOLI, QC, July 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Today the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, took part in the unveiling of the mural À la croisée des chemins ("At the Crossroads"), in Mont-Joli in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. Commissioned by the organization Les Murmures de la Ville and created by professional comic book artist Vincent Rioux (also known as VoRo), the work was funded in part through the Legacy Fund component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, which provided $9,500.
The mural—installed on the exterior wall of a downtown store—commemorates the 150th anniversary of the construction of Matapédiac Road in Sainte-Flavie, an event that led to the foundation of Mont-Joli. Opened in 1867, the road was the first line of communication between the Maritimes and the south shore of the St. Lawrence River. That same year, the Government of Canada began construction of the Intercontinental Railway, which reached the municipality the following year.
Quotes
"Our government is pleased to fund projects that showcase the talent and creativity of our artists. These projects tell the stories of the people, places and events that have shaped our beautiful country while bringing the arts to Canadians in their communities."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"The Town of Mont-Joli would like to thank Canadian Heritage and CN for generously contributing to the mural À la croisée des chemins. Created by a talented local artist, this new mural, which pays tribute to the early days of Mont-Joli, enhances our Murals, Arts and Heritage tour route, and therefore what Mont-Joli and La Mitis have to offer tourists. We couldn't be more delighted."
—Martin Soucy, Mayor of Mont-Joli
Quick Facts
The À la croisée des chemins mural project marks an important anniversary in Sainte-Flavie. In addition, it contributes to the preservation of local heritage and to artistic development, while actively engaging the local population.
The Legacy Fund component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program supports capital projects that commemorate a significant local historical event or personality.
The non-profit organization Les Murmures de la Ville was established in 2003 in Mont-Joli, in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec. Its main mission is the development, maintenance and promotion of its outdoor art gallery, the Murals, Arts and Heritage tour route. The route comprises 34 sites, including 22 outdoor murals in the heart of the municipality. The mural À la croisée des chemins is the latest addition to the route.
Associated Links
Legacy Fund – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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