Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), announces support for local festivals, cultural infrastructure, arts presentation and more

“Arts and culture are important for cultivating innovation, improving social well-being and fostering inclusion. Our government is pleased to provide funding to organizations across Alberta that promote arts and culture in our communities. These increased investments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting cultural infrastructure, our creative economy, and our gifted artists and creators as they entertain, inspire and engage with Canadians from all walks of life.”

—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

“As a proud Albertan and arts aficionado, I have seen first-hand the impact that this kind of support creates in our communities. Today’s announcement recognizes 47 cultural organizations that work diligently to promote civic engagement, increase accessibility, create safe spaces for artists to practice and perform, and stimulate our imagination and inner creativity. From Grand Prairie to Fort McMurray, Jasper to Lloydminster, there is something for everyone! I am especially delighted to share this news during the 38^th annual Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, one of the most successful of its kind in the world.”

—Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre)

“This funding received through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund will enable the City of St. Albert to build upon our commitment to excellence in arts programming and expand into a new performing arts space to further support artists and other industry professionals in our community. This new space will provide artists and patrons alike with increased access to arts in the community. Thank you to the Government of Canada for their investment in the City of St. Albert’s new performing arts space, supporting excellence in professional artistic practices in our community.”

—Her Worship Cathy Heron, Mayor, City of St. Albert

“As the largest and longest running fringe theatre festival in North America, and as a cultural hub of local creative activity throughout the year, we are incredibly grateful for the Government of Canada’s bolstered support for the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, our yearly operations and—new this year—an upgrade to our audio systems in the ATB Financial Arts Barns. The funds provided through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund and the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund will ensure that we can continue providing quality support to more than 2,000 artists and 850,000 Fringers who frequent our festival and the Arts Barns each year.”

—Adam Mitchell, Executive Director and Producer, Fringe Theatre Adventures Society

“Enoch Cree Nation would like to acknowledge and thank the Government of Canada for its recent contribution to our 27^th annual pow wow celebration. There was a time in Canadian history when our traditional and cultural practices were banned and outlawed. Today, the pow wow allows participants and performers (even members of the audience) a way to reclaim and honour our rich and vibrant culture as Indigenous Peoples. While at the pow wow, many can attest to the deep-seated feelings of pride, joy and interconnectedness that is felt when the traditional drum beat fills the pow wow arbour. The pow wow celebration is a means of bringing our Indigenous People together in community and reconciliation as we drum, sing and dance! It also allows our community members, both young and the young at heart, to get involved in the community through volunteer opportunities, and by experiencing our culture and traditions first-hand.”

—Candace Persson, Fund Development Analyst and Grant Writer, Enoch Cree Nation

• The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides funding to increase opportunities for local artists, artisans, heritage performers or specialists to be involved in their community through festivals, events and projects. It also allows local groups to commemorate their local history and heritage.

• The Canada Arts Presentation Fund provides financial assistance to organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series (arts presenters) and organizations that offer support to arts presenters.

• The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation. The Fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces

Related products

• Backgrounder – The Government of Canada Invests More than $4 Million in Arts and Culture in Alberta

Associated links

• Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
• Canada Arts Presentation Fund
• Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
• Investing in Canada Plan

Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Multiculturalism
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
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