SASKATOON, May 18, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar), today announced funding of up to $32,500 for the 25th Street Theatre Centre to present the Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival and the Her-icane Festival of Women's Art.
"The Her-icane Festival provides female artists with exposure while giving audiences a unique and interactive experience, and the Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival, with up to 300 performances each year, contributes to the city's cultural vitality," said Minister Oda. "This eleven-day community event is one of the largest cultural celebrations in Saskatchewan, attracting over 50,000 patrons to a variety of theatrical presentations. By providing this support to the 25th Street Theatre Centre, Canada's New Government is ensuring the residents of Saskatoon and the surrounding area have greater opportunities to enjoy artistic presentations from across Canada."
"Our Government is pleased to support the festivals of the 25th Street Theatre Centre," added Minister Skelton. "I am proud that we are supporting an organization that allows the growth of innovative and professional theatre in this region, and that aids artists in their pursuit of excellence."
"Our organization recognizes and welcomes the continued support of Arts Presentation Canada as an important investment in our community," said Robert Wyma, Executive Director of the 25th Street Theatre Inc. "The Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival is uncensored, unpredictable, and unlimited in its potential to serve artists and audiences at the same time. Our second festival, The Hericane Festival of Women's Art, continues to provide presentation platforms for independent female artists within an eclectic, exciting, and evolving festival of multidisciplinary art."
The Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival will take place from August 2 to 11, 2007.
The Her-icane Festival of Women's Art is a multi-disciplinary event scheduled to take place in March 2008. It presents female artists from Western Canada who work in disciplines including dance, music, and literary art.
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
Danielle Maier
Communications Assistant
Regional Office of Minister Skelton for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar
306 780-8236
Angela Cassie
A/Director of Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367
