Victoria, February 4, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced the names of the five Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2005. The winners are:- Toronto, Ontario Over-125,000 population category -- maximum contribution $500,000- Victoria, British Columbia 50,000-to-125,000 population category -- maximum contribution $500,000- Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, Ontario Under-50,000 population category -- maximum contribution $250,000 - Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia Under-50,000 population category -- maximum contribution $250,000- Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec Under-50,000 population category -- maximum contribution $250,000In total, 24 applicants qualified to receive the title of Cultural Capital for 2005. The winning municipalities and Aboriginal community will receive contributions from the Department of Canadian Heritage equal to what they themselves invest in their cultural programming and various arts activities. The award to each winner can be up to $500,000."Arts and culture make our municipalities places where we want to live, and venues for expression, creation and sharing. The five winners are examples to be followed," said Minister Frulla. "They help their residents discover and experience the rich diversity of our culture, while giving our artists an opportunity to showcase their talent."Unanimously recommending the successful applicants to Minister Frulla was an independent advisory committee composed of the mayors of the Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2004. Experts in the field of arts and culture acted as advisors.The Department of Canadian Heritage launched the Cultural Capitals of Canada program on May 31, 2002. The program is open to municipalities, to governments of First Nations, as well as to Inuit and Métis communities.The program highlights applicants' past achievements that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to arts and culture. The funds will enable recipients to hold special events that celebrate arts and culture, and organize activities that aim to create a legacy for the future. The funds will also ensure that art and cultural issues are integrated into the planning of Cultural Capitals. The prizes are awarded based on merit, the quality of the project proposal, and the applicants' earlier achievements.The deadline to apply for a 2006 Cultural Capital of Canada designation is May 15, 2005. Fact sheets that summarize the projects of the winning applicants, indicate the maximum amount that can be awarded to each Cultural Capital, and include a complete list of this year's applicants, are available at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room. Photos are also available upon request.Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788 Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314 FACT SHEET - 1 CULTURAL CAPITALS OF CANADA 2005Toronto, OntarioCategory: Population over 125,000Maximum contribution: $500,000Toronto--Cultural Capital truly reflects cultural creativity and showcases the work of professional and local artists of all ages and from diverse cultures, who blend traditional art forms with the newest technologies. The celebrations include activities such as Telling Toronto's Diverse Story, 80 vignettes in 40 locations along Spadina Avenue; Music Makers, bringing music to children and youth; Songs from Above the Treeline, sharing history and song with northern and urban Aboriginals. Toronto--Cultural Capital reflects a vision of a cultural capital! Victoria, British ColumbiaCategory: Population between 50,000 and 125,000 Maximum contribution: $500,000Celebrating our Diversity brings together many areas of interest. Among the highlights are an Artist- in-Residence program; Arts in the City, a week-long showcase of professional and community artists; Symposium of the Arts, a forum on arts and cultural issues; and the Inner Harbour First Nations Interpretive Walkway. Victoria is a vibrant city where arts and cultural policies have been in effect for more than 15 years, and the results are evident!Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, OntarioCategory: Population under 50,000 Maximum contribution: $250,000Cultural and Community Pride blends tradition with innovation through a series of creative initiatives which features a Clip-Art Development program that will use computer technology to hone a marketable skill; the Storytellers initiative that will record oral history for future generations; a Photography Skills Workshop that encourages participants to express themselves using a camera lens; and a Heritage Festival focusing on a pow wow. These events are truly community-based and inclusive, and recognize that culture is essential for the community's future!Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, QuebecCategory: Population under 50,000 Maximum contribution: $250,000L'Art et la manière builds on this community's reputation for woodcarving, sculpture, and folk art. The Fête d'hiver will feature snow sculptors from across Quebec, some of whom are Aboriginal artists. L'Internationale de la sculpture will include a visual arts exhibition. La Fête des Chants de Marins will feature maritime votive exhibits, and offer performances by Newfoundland and international musicians. A cultural award will honour a local personality's commitment to the arts and culture. By attracting international artists, along with local sculptors, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli illustrates its vision of reaching out to enrich life within its own community.Annapolis Royal, Nova ScotiaCategory: Population under 50,000 Maximum contribution: $250,000Port Royal 400th Anniversary Celebrations are a remarkable extravaganza of workshops, festivals, re-enactments and celebrations. From a re-enactment of Samuel de Champlain's arrival at Port Royal, to a costume workshop and a festival for bands from around the world, these celebrations highlight the prominent place this small community (pop. 525) holds in Canadian history. A partnership with nearby Bridgetown helps Annapolis Royal organize music festivals. Annapolis Royal proves that an inspired vision can succeed! For more information, visit our Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca FACT SHEET - 2Applicants -- Cultural Capitals of Canada 2005Since 2003, the Cultural Capital of Canada designation has been awarded to individual municipalities or groups of municipalities with qualifying proposals. The proposals are for activities that seek to celebrate and build a lasting legacy for the arts and culture. Awards are divided into three categories based on population size.Over-125,000 population category Halifax, Nova ScotiaToronto, Ontario 50,000-to-125,000 population category Annapolis Royal, Nova ScotiaCounty of Huron, OntarioKingston, OntarioNanaimo, British ColumbiaNewmarket, OntarioNew Westminster, British ColumbiaPeterborough, OntarioStrathcona County, AlbertaVictoria, British ColumbiaWhitby, OntarioUnder-50,000 population category Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, OntarioBlind River, OntarioChippewas of Nawash, OntarioDistrict of Campbell River, British Columbia Edmundston, New BrunswickEsprit-Saint, QuebecFort St. John, British Columbia Grand Falls--Windsor, Newfoundland and LabradorKimberley, British ColumbiaMorinville, AlbertaRevelstoke, British ColumbiaSaint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec
