VANCOUVER, March 27, 2008 - Two arts and culture festivals will, once again, brighten the summer landscape of Vancouver, thanks, in part, to an investment by the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Josée Verner, Min nister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced $485,000 in federal investments in the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Festival Vancouver.
"The Government of Canada is committed to supportin g projects that increase Canadians' access to the arts and culture," said Minister Verner. "These festivals also reflect the important role the arts play in communities across Canada, especially at the height of summer."
" Arts organizations must have access to resources that enable them to flourish in their communities," added Minister Verner. "Today's funding will allow these arts organizations to offer unique cultural experiences to audiences in the lower mainl and of British Columbia."
The Coastal Jazz and Blues Society is receiving $300,000 to produce one of Vancouver's signature cultural events, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. The festival is a widely recognized, world-class fest ival that features an eclectic mix of jazz music performed in many styles. The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is a multi-venue event, which offers an extensive program of creative music and features over 400 performances by more than 1800 local, na tional, and international artists. The 22nd Annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival will take place from June 20 to July 1.
The Vancouver Summer Festival Society will receive $185,000 to present its annual festival of classical, jazz, an d world-music presentations, showcasing artists from Canada and abroad.
Festival Vancouver 2008 will feature over 50 live performances at various city venues. This year's theme is the Music of the Americas. The 8th annual Festival Vancouver will ta ke place from August 4 to17.
"Coastal Jazz and Blues Society is Western Canada's largest arts presenter, with an international reputation for supporting Canadian artists through innovative programming. Arts Presentation Canada recognize s the essential role that presenters like Coastal Jazz play in connecting artists with audiences. Increased funding through APC enables us to develop new ways of making high quality programs accessible to all Canadians," said Coastal Jazz and Blues S ociety's Executive Director Julie Smith.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity an d richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Off ice 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
