VICTORIA, June 22, 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 over $520,000 for two Victoria-area foundations to support five Victoria arts organizations and help them ensure a sound financial footing."I am proud to support organizations that help showcase the excellence of our Canadian artists in disciplines such as music and dance," said Minister Oda. "We believe that, by working in partnership with cultural organizations and the private sector, we are building richer and stronger artistic communities. Our support for these five well-known organizations will allow the community of Victoria and the province of British Columbia to enjoy rich artistic experiences and to have access to high-quality dance and music. For example, it will help the Pacific Opera Victoria to continue training community artists and technicians for opera productions and the Canadian Heritage Arts Society to provide Canadian students with training and education in the performing arts.""Our Government is taking concrete action to foster the development of arts and culture in Canada," said Minister Lunn. "Today's announcement represents an investment in the future of Canadian organizations that are constantly innovating to excel and to help Canadians enjoy outstanding artistic experiences.""These grants will have a profound effect on our organizations and help us touch the lives of thousands of people-today and tomorrow. By encouraging us to build our permanent endowments and providing the matching incentives for forward-thinking patrons to look to the future of the arts, the Department has made a lasting impression on the social fabric of our country," said David Shefsiek, executive director of Pacific Opera Victoria.The funding announced today for the Victoria Foundation and the Victoria Symphony Foundation matches private sector support for the endowment funds of the following organizations: the Dance Victoria Society, the Early Music Society of the Islands, the Canadian Heritage Arts Society, the Victoria Symphony Society, and the Pacific Opera Victoria Association. With more than $800,000 raised from private donors, these foundations will be able to provide over $1.3 million to ensure sound financial footing for these organizations in Victoria.Canada's New Government has provided the funding under the Endowment Incentives Component of the Department of Canadian Heritage Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. This component of the program encourages private donors to contribute to endowment funds for arts organizations to ensure they have access to stable and predictable long-term funding.Information: Véronique BruneauPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women819 997-7788Donald BoulangerA/Chief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage819 994-9101BACKGROUNDERThe Department of Canadian Heritage today announced funding of just over $520,000 to the Victoria Foundation and the Victoria Symphony Foundation.THE VICTORIA FOUNDATIONOf the total amount, $454,906.69 will go to the Victoria Foundation under the Endowment Incentives component of the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. The Victoria Foundation was created in 1936 to provide grants to not-for-profit organizations in various sectors (health care, education, social services, and arts and culture) in and around Victoria, B.C. Currently, the Foundation supports the following five cultural organizations:The Canadian Heritage Arts Society ($9,665.84) was founded in 1990 to promote the arts through education and performance. Among other achievements, the Society created the Experience Canada touring theatre company, which performed Spirit of a Nation, a show seen by over 800 000 people across the country. In 1997 the Society also established the Canadian College of Performing Arts, which prepares young Canadians for careers in the performing arts, particularly theatre.The Dance Victoria Society ($6,443.89) presents a series of dance performances and other activities designed to encourage a love of dance in Victoria audiences of all ages.The Early Music Society of the Islands ($9,665.84), founded in 1995, creates, produces and presents international-calibre musicals and offers professional training for aspiring stage artists.The Pacific Opera Victoria Association ($397,832.84) is an opera company that presents three major productions each year. The company remains true to its original mission: to provide a showcase for the opera stars of tomorrow and to support emerging Canadian artists.The Victoria Symphony Society ($31,832.84) has been presenting high-quality musical performances for over six decades. Today, the ensemble comprises 34 full-time musicians who give over 100 concerts a year. The Society also offers a music appreciation program for young people, giving free concerts in schools in Victoria and the surrounding region.THE VICTORIA SYMPHONY FOUNDATIONThe Victoria Symphony Foundation will receive $66,317, also under the Endowment Incentives component of the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. The Foundation will receive the funds on behalf of the Victoria Symphony Society.
