KELOWNA, British Columbia, May 7, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament (Kelowna-Lake Country) today announced funding of $24,000 for two Kelowna arts organizations.
"Canada's New Government is proud to support the presentation of live theatre and music in Kelowna," said Minister Oda. "The numerous productions by both the Sunshine Theatre Society and the Chamber Music Kelowna Society reflect the originality and the cultural diversity of Kelowna."
"Our professional arts organizations provide Canadians with quality artistic peformances," said Mr. Cannan. "With this funding, our Government is ensuring that growing communities like Kelowna have access to artistic experiences in order to continue to thrive, both economically and culturally."
The Sunshine Theatre Society is receiving $16,000 in support of four productions for its 2007-2008 season.
"Arts Presentation Canada funding makes the presentation of professional theatre in Kelowna a possibility," said Tracie Ward, Executive Producer of the Rotary Centre for the Arts. "We are delighted to be presenting four top-notch plays originally produced in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. Without this funding, this would not be possible."
The Chamber Music Kelowna Society will receive $8,000 for its annual series of Canadian and international chamber music concerts, educational outreach events and masterclasses with young aspiring musicians.
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
Ron Cannan
Member of Parliament (Kelowna-Lake Country)
250 470-5075
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Policy and Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
