OAKVILLE, Ontario, March 14, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament (Burlington), today announced funding of up to $60,000 for the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. This funding will support the centre's 2007-2008 season, featuring a variety of artistic performances including music, dance, theatre and comedy.
"Canada's New Government is pleased to invest in the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts," said Minister Oda. "Arts and culture are critical to vibrant towns and cities. The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts plays an important part in the cultural life of Oakville."
"We are proud to provide support to ensure Canadians can enjoy high-quality artistic programming," said Mr. Wallace. "I would like to congratulate the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts for its outstanding contribution to the cultural and community life of the Oakville area."
"The Town of Oakville is pleased that the federal government recognizes the benefits that arts and culture bring to our community," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "The Centre provides a stage for local, national, and international entertainment right here at home."
"This funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage has allowed us to expand our programming, offering even more choice for our audiences," said Ken Coulter, Theatre Manager for the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts.
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts marks its 29th season in 2007-2008. The Centre is the main performance venue in the town of Oakville and features programming in five categories: Concert, Classical & World Artists, Comedy, Beyond the Mainstream and a Family series. The organization strives to provide Oakville residents with a place to learn about themselves and the world around them through dance, music, storytelling and theatre.
Canada's New Government has provided this 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, 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
John Watson
Legislative Assistant
Office of the Member of
Parliament for Burlington
613 995-0881
Jaime Burke
A/Communications Manager
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 973-2050
