CARAQUET, New Brunswick, January 21, 2008 -- On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Sylvie Boucher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Status of Women and Member of Parliament (Beauport-Limoilou) today announced funding for the Réseau atlantique de diffusion des arts de la scène (RADARTS).
The funding of $80,000 will help the Réseau to plan and implement its annual program.
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting initiatives that make diverse, high-quality artistic experiences accessible to Canadians in all parts of the country and that afford an opportunity for young people to express their creativity and develop their talent," said Minister Verner. "That is why we are very pleased to provide this support to the Réseau atlantique de diffusion des arts de la scène."
"Through the various services it provides to its member presenters, RADARTS allows French-speaking Canadian performers to connect with audiences in Atlantic Canada and enables Francophone artists from this region to perform both nationally and abroad," said Ms. Boucher.
"The Department of Canadian Heritage's contribution to the success of the Réseau atlantique de diffusion des arts de la scène is indisputable. The department responsible for culture recognizes, without a doubt, that we are an essential partner in the development of Francophone communities in Canada," said Marc Chouinard, Chair of RADARTS.
Created in 2001, the Réseau atlantique de diffusion des arts de la scène is the largest network of Francophone performing arts presenters from the four Atlantic provinces. Its primary focus is to increase the availability of Francophone musical performances and encourage artistic expression. It offers its 42 members--professional and educational presenters--training, audience development, and promotion services.
The Government of Canada 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:
Domenic Gosselin
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
