The Government of Canada Supports the Vitality of Acadian and Francophone Culture

The Government of Canada announces joint funding to support the dissemination of Francophone and Acadian arts and culture

MONCTON, NB, Feb. 8, 2019 /CNW/ - Issues related to the preservation, enhancement and promotion of language and culture are common in many linguistic minority communities. The Government of Canada recognizes that access to arts and culture promotes the vitality and development of these communities, which contribute directly to our cultural diversity.

Through the Community Cultural Action Fund, which is part of the Action Plan for Official Languages, the Government of Canada will invest $200,000 in the Touring and Presenting Assistance Program to Support Arts and Culture. The Government of New Brunswick will also contribute $200,000 to the program. The funding announced today will allow this new program to promote the circulation of Acadian artists and their works throughout New Brunswick. The program will support performing arts, music, literature, visual arts, film, media arts and dance projects produced by professional Acadian artists and arts groups.

The Touring and Presenting Assistance Program to Support Arts and Culture will help ensure access to the wealth of works created by Acadian artists, and will provide arts organizations with the resources they need to present these works to the province's residents. By supporting the dissemination of Acadian and Francophone culture throughout New Brunswick, the program will have a positive impact on the cultural development of the province's Francophone communities.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada believes it is important to support and celebrate the remarkable contribution of Acadian and Francophone communities to Canada's vitality, openness and prosperity. I am pleased to see this important program moving forward, as it will give New Brunswickers greater access to culture and the arts."

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

"Our government is pleased to ensure that Acadian and Francophone artists and arts organizations in New Brunswick can contribute to building a strong cultural and linguistic identity and strong ties with their communities. I am therefore very pleased that support for the Touring and Presenting Assistance Program to Support Arts and Culture in Francophone communities has been renewed, allowing us to facilitate public access to the creations of our local artists and arts groups."

—The Honourable Robert Gauvin, New Brunswick Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Quick Facts

The Government of Canada, through the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023, is investing $200,000 over two years in the Touring and Presenting Assistance Program to Support Arts and Culture.

The program will be offered annually from 2018–19 to 2019–20 and will include two components. The Touring component is intended for New Brunswick arts groups whose primary purpose is to produce and present artistic performances or events in one or more artistic disciplines. The Presenting component is intended for New Brunswick presenters whose primary purpose is to present performances or exhibitions in one or more artistic disciplines.

The Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future proposes an unprecedented investment of $2.7 billion over five years, including nearly $500 million in new funding.

The Action Plan includes additional funding of $11.2 million over five years for the Community Cultural Action Fund.

Associated Links

Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

For further information: (media only): Jérémy Ghio, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.pch.gc.ca