PORT MOODY, British Columbia, March 12, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics and Member of Parliament (Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam), announced funding of $10,000 for the Port Moody Arts Centre Society. The funds will enable the society to present the Port Moody Festival of the Arts from April 13 to 22, 2007.
"Canada's New Government is committed to ensuring that all Canadians have opportunities to attend high-calibre arts presentations," said Minister Oda. "We are pleased to support the Port Moody Arts Centre Society as it presents the tenth season of a festival that allows people of all ages to discover new artistic gems."
"The Port Moody Festival of the Arts celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2007," said Mr. Moore. "I am pleased that our Government supports an organization that works with its partners to present activities that will appeal to everyone."
"Arts Presentation Canada funding has done much more for us than simply support great local performances for Port Moody," stated Executive Director Vicki Allesia. "The requirements for continued professional development, expanding to new audiences, and constant review of our operating methods have pushed our organization to a higher level. We're now able to pass on our expertise and experience to all the artists and performers with whom we come in contact, while providing opportunities for our community to experience culture from across the country."
The Port Moody Arts Centre Society stimulates, develops and promotes arts and culture in Port Moody by providing opportunities for all members of the community to participate in a variety of artistic pursuits. The Society operates the Port Moody Arts Centre, which has four different art galleries that host over 48 shows a year, a gift shop, many member groups and a strong volunteer base. The Society also produces several arts and heritage events throughout the year, including the Port Moody Festival of the Arts and the Wearable Art Awards, which attracts entrants from across Canada and the United States.
Canada's New Government has provided this funding under 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 arts experiences.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Barbara Haidn
Executive Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam
613 992-9650
Ginette Montreuil
Manager, Policy and Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
