CHARLOTTETOWN, July 11, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Charlottetown) Shawn Murphy, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $88,761 in funding to support three heritage projects to be produced by the Confederation Centre Art Gallery and the Community Museums Association of Prince Edward Island. The funds will help these two organizations promote the province's rich cultural heritage."I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting these two organizations, which are helping to foster connections among Canadians and promote a deeper understanding of this region's history and heritage," said Mr. Murphy. "This funding will help preserve historical and cultural artifacts.""We must make Canadians aware of Canada's rich human, natural, artistic, and scientific heritage," said Minister Frulla. "I am proud that our government is committed to supporting groups that enrich the cultural life of our communities and work toward leaving an important legacy for future generations."Of the funding amount, the Confederation Centre Art Gallery will receive $58,222 to research and produce a touring, bilingual exhibition on the First World War. In addition, the group will receive $6,519 to purchase specialized equipment in order to make the Gallery's collection more accessible on the Internet. Currently, more than 5000 items in the Gallery's collection have been digitally documented and placed on its Web site.The Community Museums Association of Prince Edward Island will receive $24,020 to work with museums in Prince Edward Island to enhance the preventative conservation of collections. Each participating museum will be assessed for environmental conditions and preventative conservation practices. Recommendations will be made on how to better house and care for each museum's collections. As well, the group will offer professional development activities focussing on conservation and artifact care.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage under its Museums Assistance Program. The program provides financial support to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.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) 997-7788Connie LivingstonSpecial AssistantOffice of Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament(902) 566-7016Claudine DaigleDirector, CommunicationsCanadian Heritage(506) 851-3980
