HUNTSVILLE, Ontario, March 13, 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 Huntsville Festival of the Arts. This funding will support the group's 2007, summer programming.
"Our Government is pleased to invest in the Huntsville Festival of the Arts," said Minister Oda. "Festivals like this enrich the cultural and community life of the region by offering a platform for artistic experiences that allow us to celebrate our rich cultural diversity."
"Canada's New Government is committed to supporting initiatives that offer Canadians in smaller communities direct access to first-rate artistic experiences," said Minister Clement. "The Huntsville Festival of the Arts has become a mainstay of the area's cultural economy during the peak tourist season."
"The consistent support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, through its Arts Presentation Canada program, has allowed our festival to expand its programming beyond conventional borders and to engage artists from across Canada who might not otherwise be heard," said Rob Saunders, General Manager Huntsville Festival of the Arts.
Every year, The Huntsville Festival of the Arts presents an array of programming including a variety of musical genres, theatre, and dance as part of a summer festival that takes place over four weeks in June and July at several venues including the Town Dock and the Algonquin Theatre. The festival attracts locals and tourists alike and is well-attended by youth audiences.
Canada's New Government provides funding for arts festivals and series 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 the presentation of professional artists in live 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
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 973-2050
