Thirty Years of the Francos—Time to Celebrate!
News release
MONTRÉAL, June 8, 2018
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), today announced support for the 30th Francos de Montréal, which is taking place from June 8 to 17, 2018, at the Place des Festivals.
Funding of $175,000, provided by Canadian Heritage through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, will help enrich the programming of this largely free-of-charge event devoted to French-language song.
CED has provided the festival with funding of up to $650,000 over two years (2017 and 2018). This support was granted as a non-refundable contribution under the Quebec Economic Development Program. It is aimed at marketing and promoting the festival internationally and attracting tourists to Montréal.
Quotes
“The French language is part of our history and of our collective identity, and music offers a great way for us to honour and celebrate it. The Francos are proof that French-language chanson is alive and well and has an important place in the hearts of Quebecers and Canadians. Congratulations to the Francos on promoting Francophone artists from both here in Quebec and beyond.”
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“Besides generating major economic benefits for the region, including by bringing in many visitors, the Francos contribute to Montréal’s international reputation and position the city as a first-rate tourist destination.”
—The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Quick facts
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Every year, close to a million visitors attend around 150 free outdoor shows and 50 indoor shows during the Francos.
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For its 30th anniversary, the festival is adding an additional day to its program on June 17. For the occasion, it will offer an exclusive show in honour of Luc Plamondon, starring ten artists from Quebec.
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This year, about 1,000 artists from Quebec, the rest of Canada and abroad will perform during the event, including Alaclair Ensemble, Éric Lapointe, Daniel Bélanger, Marjo, Patrice Michaud and les Majestiques, and Dead Obies.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information (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
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development
for Quebec Regions
514-283-8818
dec.media.ced@canada.ca