SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, March 12, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and the Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today announced funding of up to $20,000 for the Algoma Fall Festival.
"Greater accessibility to artistic experiences contributes to making Canada a more creative, innovative, and internationally competitive society," said Minister Oda. "This support from Canada's New Government will allow Canadians to share our rich linguistic, historic, cultural and artistic diversity at the Algoma Fall Festival."
"Our Government is committed to offering all Canadians the opportunity to appreciate the talent of our artists and to discover the richness of our heritage," said Minister Clement. "This is exactly the role that the Algoma Fall Festival plays by attracting artists from across Canada right here in Sault Ste. Marie."
"The Department of Canadian Heritage through its Arts Presentation Canada program grant plays a critical role in helping the Algoma Fall Festival continue to bring high-calibre performances to our community", said Donna Hilsinger, President, Algoma Arts Festival Association. "This type of funding ensures that artists can travel and perform in the North and we benefit from engaging in unique cultural experiences. We are proud of this partnership."
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Algoma Arts Festival Association will hold its annual multi-disciplinary arts event over four weekends in October and November 2007. The festival will showcase a dynamic series of programming including music, visual arts, and theatre featuring artists from across Canada. In addition to its exceptional artistic programming, the Algoma Arts Festival Association offers workshops and master classes to local and regional students.
Canada's New Government has provided funding through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. 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.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Status of Women
819 997-7788
Erik Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Health and the Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
613 957-0200
Jaime Burke
A/Communications Manager
Canadian Heritage
Ontario Region
416 973-2050
