May 27,005 Summerside, Prince Edward Island Contact East 2005, a four-day showcase for Atlantic Canada's performing artists, is coming to Summerside. It's the first time since 1994 that the event is being held on Prince Edward Island. Atlantic Presenters Association Inc. will coordinate this year's celebrations, which will take place from October 16 to19, 2005. "The Government of Canada is extremely pleased to be part of today's announcement," said the Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "This project will allow participants to develop new skills and enhance their employability in today's labour market while providing the community with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the very best in performing arts in Atlantic Canada." "Contact East 2005 will be a wonderful opportunity for the City of Summerside and for performers from PEI and from all over Atlantic Canada," said the Honourable Philip Brown, Minister of Tourism for the Government of Prince Edward Island. "This event will attract a number of visitors to our province and will provide some excitement during what is traditionally a quiet time for tourism. It will also give Islanders a wonderful opportunity to catch some of the great performers this region has to offer." Contact East 2005 will give performers a chance to showcase their talents for people who book and present entertainment. The event will consist of workshops, clinics and roundtable discussions geared to the entertainment industry. Performers include musicians, dancers and actors. The general public will be able to attend various shows that will take place at different Summerside area venues including the Silver Fox Yacht Club, St. Mary's Church, Shipyard Market and the host venue, the Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre. Summerside attracted the event with the support of both the provincial and federal governments. The Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA), co managed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the provincial Department of Development and Technology, provided $88,363 in wages and overhead costs toward this project. The Department of Canadian Heritage contributed $55,000 under its Arts Presentation Canada program, while the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) provided $51,000. The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and Tourism PEI each provided $10,000. The Atlantic Presenters Association Inc. will contribute $44,250 and the City of Summerside provided $2,500. With funding from the LMDA, a general manager and three individuals have been hired to help organize and coordinate Contact East 2005. A marketing officer, a media relations officer and an office manager will provide support to the project while receiving hands on experience that will help them to secure future employment. "The Contact East 2005 Committee is delighted to see this event come alive in Summerside and surrounding areas," commented Maurice Gallant, co chair of the Atlantic Presenters Association Inc. "This four-day conference and trade show will give the arts community the opportunity to come together and host this event in four wonderful venues while providing the public with the best that this region and country has to offer in theatre, music, and dance. The professional development workshops will be an excellent resource to any community endeavouring to host festivals and events across the Island and beyond. The experience garnered by our Contact East staff will be invaluable, while providing a major cultural event in our area during the off-season." Contact East attracts entertainers from across Atlantic Canada and the rest of the country. Tickets will go on sale July 4th at the Jubilee Theatre Box Office in Summerside. Government of Canada funding for this project was provided for in the 2005 federal Budget. This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's administration of its grant and contribution programs, and is subject to review under the Financial Administration Act. -30- For more information (media only): Shirley Pierce Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (902) 566-7456 Lynn MacDonald Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) (902) 566-7491 Ann Thurlow Department of Development and Technology (902) 569-0571 Sue Urquhart Contact East 2005 (902) 888-4467 Jean-Phillipe Côté Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Ron Crozier Office of the Minister of ACOA (902) 888-4150 For more information on the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, visit www.lmda.pe.ca
