TORONTO, May 23, 2006 - Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, today announced $840,000 in funding for the Harbourfront Centre. The multi-year funding will support, among others, Harbourfront Centre's programming and the International Performing Series. The funding will allow the centre to showcase the finest work of contemporary Canadian and international artists across an array of creative disciplines.
"The Harbourfront Centre makes a significant contribution to the vitality of Toronto," said Minister Oda. "It brings exceptional artistic experiences to Toronto and offers the Canadian public a great opportunity to appreciate and celebrate our rich diversity."
The funding announced today will enable the Harbourfront Centre to continue offering Toronto's diverse communities excellent artists from a range of cultural communities, through such festivals as Ritmo y Color, Island Soul, Masala! Mehndi! Masti!, and Planet IndigenUs.
"Canadian Heritage investments strengthen Canada's cultural sector, producing more artistic and cultural works and increasing access to cultural experiences," said Minister Oda. "The Harbourfront Centre was created in 1972 by the Government of Canada and I believe it is still today an innovative and exciting way to promote the cultural expression of Torontonians and Canadians."
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Arts Presentation Canada program. This program seeks to give Canadians more access to direct experiences of the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic events.
Information :
Robert Paterson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 997-9314
