OTTAWA, May 11, 2004 -- The Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced that, through a competitive process, OYE! Canada, a Canadian joint venture, has been selected to produce Canada's cultural program at the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan. "The Government of Canada is proud to support Canadian artists by giving them an international showcase," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "World's fairs are unique opportunities to highlight Canada's cultural excellence. Canada's theme at Expo 2005, "Wisdom of Diversity," will promote arts and culture and celebrate our country's rich diversity."OYE! Canada will be mandated to plan, prepare and manage Canada's cultural program for the 185 day duration of Expo 2005. OYE! Canada is a joint venture involving producers Donald K. Tarlton and Matt Zimbel of Montréal, as well as Steve Herman of Toronto. The joint venture will develop an innovative concept. Among the objectives will be to feature as many art forms as possible and to reflect Canada's rich cultural and regional diversity through artists from every part of the country. Many high-quality cultural activities will be presented for Japanese and international audiences on a number of stages at the exhibition site throughout Expo 2005. For Canada Day, the plan is for an extended special program."Steve Herman, Matt Zimbel and myself have spent our careers promoting and producing Canadian artists, who are among the most talented in the world," said Donald K. Tarlton. "It makes us very proud as Canadians to have been chosen to produce Canada's cultural program at Expo 2005. We will shortly launch far-ranging consultations with many Canadian cultural organizations to draw up a program representing all of Canada. We invite the organizations interested in "Creating Canada Together" at Expo 2005 to contact us."The 2005 World Exposition will take place in Aichi, Japan, from March 25 to September 25 next year. More than 15 million visitors are expected.For details, visit the Web site on Canada's participation in Expo 2005: www.expo2005canada.gc.ca. Information:Anne-Sophie LawlessChief, Media RelationsDepartment of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-9314 Kimberly DarlingtonExecutive Vice President, Operations and Business DevelopmentOYE! Canada(514) 939-3775
