JOLIETTE, Quebec, February 8, 2008 - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for Festi-Glace de la Rivière L'Assomption.
Funding of $8,653 will be used to provide local artists and artisans with performance fees and to cover volunteer expenses. Festi-Glace de la Rivière L'Assomption takes place from February 1 to 10, 2008. The festival's program will include demonstrations of traditional trades and more than a dozen activities involving around 20 artists and artisans from the Joliette region. This unifying event is intended for audiences of all ages.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for Festi-glace de la Rivière L'Assomption, one of the first festivals to receive funding under the new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."
"Thanks to funding from Canadian Heritage, the Festi-Glace festival will be able to offer a program of activities featuring the artistic community of the Lanaudière region on the new Art et culture sur la rivière site," said Francine Trépanier, Director General of the Corporation de l'Aménagement de la Rivière L'Assomption, which has produced the event since 1990.
The new Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada throughout the coming year.
The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to get involved in their communities and in celebrating Canadian arts and heritage.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Marie-Claude Cadorette
Regional Manager, Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514 283-4027
