CALGARY, May 11, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Art Hanger, Member of Parliament (Calgary-Northeast), today announced funding totaling $20,000 for the Hispanic Arts Society.
"The Hispanic Arts Society has an outstanding history of presenting Latino music and dance in Alberta and providing appreciative audiences with culturally diverse programming," said Minister Oda. "Canada's New Government is pleased to provide this support for the Society's 10th annual Expo Latino Festival."
"Now in its 10th year, Expo Latino Festival continues to make an important contribution to the cultural development of the region," said Mr. Hanger. "This event brings together music lovers and new audiences to celebrate Hispanic culture. I congratulate the dedicated staff and volunteers for their contribution to the success of this major event."
The Expo Latino Festival is the largest summer festival in Canada that features professional Canadian-Latin American artists. From August 23 to 26, 2007, this vibrant festival of music and dance will transform Prince's Island Park in Calgary. Expo Latino offers diverse programming that includes new and emerging artists, flamenco, mariachi, Latin jazz, and bands specializing in salsa, merengue and music from Cuba and the Andes. The event also includes workshops, a Brazilian carnival parade, and a free kick-off with performances in Olympic Plaza.
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
Maria Sbert
Constituency Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament for Calgary-Northeast
403 291-0018
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Policy and Communications
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
