SASKATOON, June 26, 2006 - On behalf of Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar) today announced $2 million in funding for the City of Saskatoon, Cultural Capital of Canada in the over 125 000 population category.
"In this centennial year, Saskatoon's cultural scene is brimming with excitement," said Minister Oda. "It well deserves its title of Cultural Capital of Canada, which recognizes municipalities that support the important role that the arts and culture play in our communities."
"This year, Saskatoon is celebrating its centennial with all the grandeur you would expect from a city so rich in cultural heritage," said Minister Skelton. "The city will offer its residents numerous opportunities to rediscover the diversity of its culture. The abundant energy and tremendous creativity of its people ensure that Saskatoon has all it takes to be a cultural capital."
Among the many activities planned in honour of Saskatoon's 100th anniversary will be a humorous look at the history of Saskatoon, major international events, festivals, and ethnocultural celebrations, which demonstrate the city's cultural diversity and abundance.
In addition, Saskatoon will implement strategies to expand cultural tourism by building ties between arts and culture, business, government, and the community.
The Department of Canadian Heritage launched the Cultural Capitals of Canada program in 2002. The program is open to all Canadian municipalities--that is, any duly constituted municipal or regional government, including governments of First Nations, Inuit, or Métis communities. The funds awarded enable communities to organize events and special activities that celebrate the arts and culture and to integrate arts and culture into municipal planning. Designations are awarded based on merit, the quality of the project proposal, and the applicants' earlier achievements.
The four other Cultural Capitals for 2006 are St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador; Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec; the District of West Vancouver, British Columbia; and Wikwemikong, Ontario.
The deadline to apply for a 2009 Cultural Capital of Canada designation is October 15, 2006.
Information:
Marie-Anne Marin
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Todd MacKay
Office of the Minister of
National Revenue and
Minister of Western
Economic Diversification
306 780-8236
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
Shannon Hanson
Community Development Branch Manager
222- 3rd Ave North
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 0J5
306 975-3390
Frances Westlund
Arts & Grants Consultant
3130 Laurier Drive
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7L 5J7
306 975-3391
