VICTORIA, July 20, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Victoria) David Anderson, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $750,000 in funding for the Victoria Foundation. The funds will go to the Arts Stabilization Project, which aims to strengthen the governance, financial, organizational and management practices of major arts and heritage institutions in Victoria."Victoria's vibrant cultural life was recognized earlier this year when this city was designated a 2005 Cultural Capital of Canada, said Mr. Anderson. Participating in the Stabilization Project means Victoria arts and heritage organizations will be in an even better position to achieve longer-term goals.""It is vital that the government contribute to the creative potential of our communities," said Minister Frulla. "Working in partnership with community organizations that know best where and what kind of support is needed for the groups in their particular areas is the key to success. This is why the Stabilization Project approach works so well."Dr. Keith Martin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca), is also pleased with today's announcement: "This long term funding from the federal government will give Victoria's arts community the resources to expand into new and dynamic areas. In this we are all enriched!" The Government of Canada provides support for this project in partnership with the Government of British Columbia, and the private sector. Arts Stabilization Victoria will provide working capital funds to five different arts organizations in Victoria over a four-year period. The organizations are the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the Belfry Theatre, the Pacific Opera Victoria, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and the Victoria Symphony. The goal is to ensure the long-term viability of these organizations. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Stabilization Projects component of its Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. The program's objective is to support modern management and greater financial stability in arts and heritage organizations.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) 997-7788Lynne HendersonExecutive AssistantOffice of David Anderson, M.P.(250) 363-3600Jocelyne FosterLegislative AssistantOffice of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence(613) 996-2625Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
