COURTENAY, British Columbia, April 19, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (Saanich-Gulf Islands), announced funding of $25,000 for the Comox Valley Folk Society. The funds will enable the Society to present its 13th annual Vancouver Island MusicFest in Courtenay, from July 6 to 8, 2007.
"Canada's New Government is pleased to support MusicFest 2007 and the unique mix of folk, roots and world music it presents to the rural audiences of the Comox Valley," said Minister Oda. "Congratulations to the organizers and the 600 volunteers who have made this event one of the cultural highlights of the Vancouver Island summer festival season."
"The vitality of Canada's smaller communities is enhanced when we invest in cultural activities," added Minister Lunn. "This family-oriented celebration of the best of Canadian and international music has made the Comox Valley a destination of choice for music-lovers from across Canada."
"This support from Canadian Heritage is a real affirmation of our event, our organization, and our amazing volunteers," said Jay Oddleifson, chair of the Vancouver Island MusicFest. "We exist to put the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island on the cultural map and, at the same time, to learn a little more about this diverse planet we live on. We are very pleased to bring the diversity of Canadian and world music to the Valley stage!"
Formed in 1995, the Comox Valley Folk Society plays a leadership role within the community by organizing top-notch cultural and musical events. Its mandate is to promote and preserve folk performing arts through presentations, concerts series, workshops and MusicFest.
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
Andrea Smith
Special Assistant
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
604 666-2662
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Policy and Communications
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
