WINNIPEG, November 4, 2005 -- Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women with special emphasis on status of women and Member of Parliament (Winnipeg South Centre) Anita Neville, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister Responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $77,500 in funding for two Manitoba arts organizations. The funds will enable the Flin Flon Arts Council and Mentoring Artists for Women's Art to improve their facilities and purchase new specialized equipment. Both of these organizations play an active role in promoting and celebrating Manitoba arts and culture in two distinct areas: northern Manitoba and urban Winnipeg, said Ms. Neville. The funds announced today will ensure that these communities have access to renovated facilities and upgraded equipment. By investing in our country's arts and heritage institutions, we contribute to the growth of dynamic and culturally rich communities, said Minister Frulla. Organizations that have access to modern facilities and upgraded equipment are in a better position to preserve and showcase our heritage and our vast array of cultural products for future generations. Of the total amount announced, the Flin Flon Arts Council will receive $46,000 to outfit its main theatre and performance space with professional theatrical lighting and sound equipment. The new equipment will replace and upgrade rudimentary and antiquated hardware now in use and reduce large rental and transportation costs incurred for locally produced and touring productions. This upgrade will enable the Arts Council to increase and diversify opportunities for the citizens of Flin Flon and surrounding districts to enjoy and participate in cultural activities.Mentoring Artists for Women's Art (MAWA) will receive $31,500 in funding for the design and construction of new program facilities at 611 Main Street, Winnipeg, as well as for the installation of specialized equipment. The upgraded facilities will enable MAWA to expand its programming and improve its ability to support the intellectual and creative development of women in the visual arts.Funding assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Cultural Spaces Canada Program, which supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase Canadians' access to the performing, visual, and media arts or improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation.Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.Information:Jean-François Del TorchioPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Bill McDonaldExecutive Assistant Office of Anita Neville, Member of Parliament(613) 992-9475Jean-Guy BeaupréChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
