SALT SPRING ISLAND, British Columbia, April 27, 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), today announced funding of $17,000 for the Island Arts Centre Society. The funds will provide support for a series of performances in a variety of artistic disciplines.
"The thirty presentations planned for the 2007-2008 concert season by the Islands Arts Centre Society represent a broad spectrum of music, theatre and dance performances from across Canada," said Minister Oda. "Canada's New Government is proud to support the efforts of the society, which has consistently provided quality arts experiences for audiences on Salt Spring Island."
"The many performing and visual artists who reside on Salt Spring Island have given it a well-earned reputation as the best art town in Canada," said Minister Lunn. "Events like the Sizzling Summer Nights Festival create an environment where the arts are seen as an essential part of community life and a catalyst for economic investment."
"It is a huge privilege to be able to serve the cultural life of our community through ArtSpring's programming and facilities. The Department of Canadian Heritage plays a crucial part in enabling us to do so. Hurray to us all!" declared George Sipos, Executive Director of ArtSpring.
The Island Arts Centre Society presents thirty artistic performances throughout the year in ArtSpring, Salt Spring Island's beautiful 265-seat concert and multi-purpose venue. The society's programming includes music, dance and theatre productions, as well as Sizzling Summer Nights, a summer festival featuring fourteen concerts by prominent Canadian classical, jazz, folk and choral musicians. It has also developed a series of public outreach activities designed to engage potential audiences in the many artistic experiences available to them on the island.
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
