VANCOUVER, February 18, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, James Moore, Member of Parliament (Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam) today announced funding for the CelticFest Vancouver Society.
An investment of $9,850 will help the organization celebrate Celtic culture and heritage through its CelticFest. Activities will include more than 50 indoor and outdoor concerts, music and step-dancing workshops, family entertainment, spoken-word readings, music at participating pubs/clubs and the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The festival will be held March 12-16, 2008.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in CelticFest Vancouver 2008, 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."
"It is important that future generations be aware of their origins and of Canada's rich and diverse heritage," said Mr. Moore. "CelticFest Vancouver will increase pride among members of our community."
"CelticFest Vancouver will benefit greatly from the generous assistance of Canadian Heritage. Their financial support will enable us to continue to feature emerging and established artists from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland," said Tim Readman, Artistic Director of CelticFest Vancouver. "It will ensure that our festival continues to thrive and provide entertainment, inspiration, and joy to all in the future."
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
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
