Minister of State John Duncan Announces Support for the Sid Williams Theatre Society

COURTENAY, BC, Sept. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament (Vancouver Island North), today announced funding for the Sid Williams Theatre Society.

"I am pleased that our Government is contributing to the strength and success of the performing arts industry," said Minister of State Duncan. "Through investments like this one, we are ensuring that artists can continue to develop and share their talents with all Canadians."

With this funding, the Sid Williams Theatre Society will present its 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 annual multidisciplinary performing arts series. In each of the seasons, the Theatre will showcase the work of 15 artists in a range of disciplines including music, spoken word, storytelling, theatre, and dance. Outreach activities will include workshops, post-performance talks, and open rehearsals.

"The Sid Williams Theatre is an important arts venue for the citizens of Courtenay and surrounding communities in the Comox Valley," said Minister Glover. "The investment announced today is a wonderful example of how our Government is supporting organizations that contribute to the cultural vitality and quality of life of their community."

"The Sid Williams Theatre Society recently launched its Blue Circle Series of performances for fall 2013 and spring 2014. This significant funding from Canadian Heritage has made it possible for us to bring many wonderful cultural performances, featuring primarily Canadian performers, to our North/Central Vancouver Island community," said Deb Renz, General Manager, Sid Williams Theatre Society. "Federal funding also helps us attract matching funds from the Province of British Columbia, foundations, and corporate funders. This type of shared investment in the performing arts makes good economic sense for our venue and for our region."

The Sid Williams Theatre is operated jointly by the Sid Williams Theatre Society and the City of Courtenay. For more than 25 years, the Theatre has played host to a broad range of performances by local and national artists. As part of its mandate to enhance artistic, cultural, and economic activities in the Comox Valley, the Society offers a bursary program for Grade 12 students who wish to continue their education in the performing arts.

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $50,000 over two years ($25,000 in 2013-2014 and $25,000 in 2014-2015) 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.

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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

(media only), please contact:

Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Anna Gravelle
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504

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.)