KELOWNA, British Columbia, May 11, 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 $6,000 for the Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society's 2007 folk series, jazz and blues series, and variety series.
"Canada's New Government is proud to provide this support to the Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society," said Minister Oda. "In organizing a folk, a jazz and blues, and a variety series, the Society makes an important contribution to the vitality of the City of Kelowna and the region, as well as to the well-being of its citizens."
"Our professional arts organizations give Canadians access to quality arts experiences," said Mr. Cannan. "In providing this funding, Canada's New Government is ensuring that growing communities like Kelowna continue to thrive, both economically and culturally."
"With this funding from Arts Presentation Canada, we are looking forward to offering a concert series presenting a great diversity of touring acts," said Tracie Ward, executive director of the Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society. "With this support, the Rotary Centre for the Arts will continue to build on its outreach activities. The rationale for the RCA Presents series is to offer something for everyone, to fill the gaps in theatre usage, and to fill the gaps in the range programming done by other groups in Kelowna."
Since its incorporation in 1994, the Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society has worked to advance the arts through its policies, programs and activities. The society acts as a catalyst for the creation, presentation and appreciation of the arts by managing and operating the Rotary Centre for the Arts in co-operation with the City of Kelowna. The society's 2007 activities-including the jazz, blues and folk, and variety series-will take place at the Rotary Centre for the Arts and the Kelowna Community Theatre.
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
Tracey Skulmoski
Senior Constituency Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country
250 470-5075
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Policy and Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
