WINNIPEG, July 27, 2005 -- President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament (Winnipeg South) Reg Alcock, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $719,425 in funding for five Manitoba arts organizations. These funds will complement the revenues that these organizations collected during fundraising campaigns in the private sector.The Government of Canada is providing this funding to foundations affiliated with the following five Manitoba arts organizations: The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, The Manitoba Theatre Centre, The Prairie Theatre Exchange, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and The Winnipeg Jewish Theatre. The contribution to The Winnipeg Jewish Theatre was capped, since its total endowment fund exceeded 30% of its revenues. The revenues earned by the remaining organizations were matched, one dollar for every dollar collected."Arts organizations contribute to the vitality of our cities and municipalities," said Minister Alcock. "Today we are providing concrete support to major organizations by matching the contributions made by businesses and citizens who believe in the importance of arts and culture to the development of our society. The Government of Canada is proud to be working with them." "Thanks to the partnerships established with these cultural institutions, our government gives artists in this region the tools they need to innovate, and to share their works with the public," said Minister Frulla. "The creations of our artists, and the work that these organizations do, are a credit to all Manitobans." Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Endowment Incentives component of its Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program, which provides matching funds for donations. It encourages private sector donors to contribute to the endowment funds of arts organizations so that these organizations have access to new and predictable sources of funding.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) 997-7788 Lise JolicoeurPress SecretaryOffice of the President of Treasury Board(613) 957-2666 Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
