OTTAWA, March 16, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced the appointment of Diane Juster of Montreal, Québec, as a part-time member of the National Arts Centre (NAC) Board of Trustees."Diane Juster is a talented artist, who is known internationally, especially in French-speaking countries," said Minister Frulla. "I am sure that her experience within the music industry, as well as her passion for culture and for protecting copyright, will be valuable assets for the National Arts Centre Board of Trustees."Singer-songwriter Diane Juster has contributed in many ways to Canada's musical heritage. In the course of her career, she has worked alongside great lyricists such as Luc Plamondon and Eddy Marnay, and has written songs that were popularized by talented performers, such as Ginette Reno and Céline Dion. A committed artist, Ms. Juster has devoted time and energy to copyright protection. She co-founded the Société professionnelle des auteurs et des compositeurs du Québec (SPACQ) and the Society for Reproduction Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers in Canada (SODRAC), and has served at the helm of each, in turn. She is also a member of the Canada Music Council.The NAC Corporation is a federal cultural organization dedicated primarily to developing and showcasing the performing arts in the National Capital Region and across Canada. Home to the acclaimed National Arts Centre Orchestra, the NAC is a multi-disciplinary performing arts centre that features classical music, dance, English-language theatre, French-language theatre, variety shows and regional programming. The NAC co-produces with other organizations throughout the country, hosts festivals and, through its new technologies and its international tours, reaches out to audiences across Canada and around the world.Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788
