ORILLIA, Ontario, May 25, 2006 - On behalf of Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament (Simcoe North), today announced $28,000 in funding for the Mariposa Folk Foundation's Folk Festival and Concert Series project.
"Organizations like the Mariposa Folk Foundation make a significant contribution to the vitality of our communities," said Minister Oda. "This Festival offers the Canadian public a great opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the rich diversity of folk and traditional music in Canada."
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting access to the arts for all Canadians and to fostering creativity, diversity and excellence," said Mr. Stanton. "This festival is an example of the artistic excellence which results from a community working together."
This festival, launched in 1961 in Orillia, is Canada's oldest folk music festival. The Mariposa Folk Foundation will hold the 46th annual folk music festival in Tudhope Park from July 7 to 9, 2006. It will also present a year-round folk music series to be held at various venues in Orillia and Toronto.
This summer festival, one of the major arts events in the region, offers music and dance presentations, as well as workshops and a program for children. There are also craft exhibits and an emporium.
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, presentation of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Funding announced today was built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Robert Paterson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Bruce Stanton
Member of Parliament
(Simcoe North)
705 327-0513
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 997-9314
