FREDERICTON, March 14, 2007 -On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Mike Allen, Member of Parliament (Tobique-Mactaquac), today announced funding of $14,000 for the 14th season of Musical Ventures Inc.'s New Brunswick Summer Festival to be held from August 13 to 25, in Fredericton.
"Canada's New Government is pleased to invest in Musical Ventures Inc.'s summer festival," said Minister Oda. " Our Government is committed to ensuring that all Canadians have access to diverse cultural experiences that showcase the talent of professional and emerging artists."
"Support for the arts enhances the vitality of our community, both culturally and economically," said Mr. Allen. "Classical and contemporary music enthusiasts in the province eagerly await the New Brunswick Summer Festival, and I want to congratulate the dedicated staff and volunteers who continue to ensure its success year after year."
"We are very grateful to the Department of Canadian Heritage for its generous contribution to the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival," stated Mr. Stephen Strople, Chair of Musical Ventures Inc. "We deeply appreciate the federal government's commitment to arts and culture as expressed through this funding. Because of this support, people from within our province and across Canada will again be able to enjoy one of the premier chamber music festivals in the country, right here in Fredericton."
Since its inception in1994, Musical Ventures Inc. has offered audiences in the Fredericton area an annual festival, with music ranging from classical chamber music to contemporary jazz, performed by some of Canada's finest musicians. The only event of its kind in the province, the Musical Ventures Summer Festival also attempts to develop new music audiences, and the 2007 season will include public awareness activities and an educational component directed to younger audiences and music students.
Canada's New Government has provided this financial assistance 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, presentations 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
Wendy Marr
Communications Assistant
Office of Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac
Atlantic Region
506 325-1340
Claudine Daigle
Director of Communications
Canadian Heritage
Atlantic Region
506 851-3980
