SHERBROOKE, June 8, 2005 -- Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Minister responsible for the Francophonie and Member of Parliament (Brossard-La Prairie) Jacques Saada, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $45,000 in funding for the Université de Sherbrooke Cultural Centre. The funds will help the Centre present more than 150 performances in its Salle Maurice O'Bready during 2006. "The Université de Sherbrooke Cultural Centre has long contributed to the vitality of cultural life in Estrie," said Minister Saada. "I am pleased to announce this funding, which will enable Salle O'Bready directors to offer high-quality programming throughout 2006 to people from the region.""Residents of Estrie and all regions of Canada must have access to diverse artistic experiences," said Minister Frulla. "Along with being an important driving force of the economy, arts and culture make our communities great places to live." Part of the Université de Sherbrooke, the Cultural Centre has the mission to serve all of Estrie's residents in the field of arts and culture. The Centre establishes contacts with presenters across Canada, forges ties with the region's ethnic groups, and develops partnerships with the private sector. In 2003-04, the Centre welcomed more than 129,000 visitors and presented 147 performances, including plays, concerts and dance. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Arts Presentation Canada program. The program's objective is to enable Canadians to experience the cultural diversity and richness of Canada through professional arts festivals and performances, and other artistic experiences. Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget.Information:Jean-François Del TorchioPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Daniel DezaindePress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister responsible for the Francophonie(514) 496-1282Véronick RaymondDirector, Public AffairsQuebec Region,Canadian Heritage(514) 283-7698
