QUÉBEC CITY, April 4, 2008 - Arts organizations in Quebec will benefit from an investment by the Government of Canada to foster the development of arts and to enable Canadians to enjoy outstanding artistic experiences.
Sylvie Boucher, Member of Parliament (Beauport-Limoilou), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for seven arts organizations in the Québec City area.
The groups will share over $350,000, provided in response to private-sector donations to endowment funds. Public charitable foundations will hold the Government funding for these arts organizations.
"Our Government is proud to support the efforts of organizations in Quebec that allow Canadians to enjoy diverse and enriching experiences in such artistic disciplines as music and theatre," said Minister Verner. "These organizations, which work to showcase the excellence of our artists and the cultural vitality of our country, enable Canadians to benefit from varied artistic experiences."
"Today's announcement demonstrates the Government's commitment not only to the arts, but also to stimulating private sector investments to help assure the vitality of our cultural scene," said Ms. Boucher. "We are proud to partner with private-sector organizations that support the arts and culture."
"While its fundraising campaign projects $6 million in funding, the Domaine Forget welcomes the federal government's initiative. This program represents a strong source of motivation, as much for the campaign team as for the donors who come mostly from the private sector," said Paul Lafleur, Chair of the Board of Domaine Forget. Thank you to Minister Verner for this excellent support for culture."
The Government of Canada is providing this funding through the Endowment Incentives Component of the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program component seeks to encourage private donors to contribute to endowment funds for arts organizations, so that they may have access to stable and predictable long-term funding. The program has provided over $73 million to endowment funds, while the private sector has contributed close to $103 million, for a total investment of $176 million.
A backgrounder is attached.
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
BACKGROUNDER
The following organizations are recipients of the funding announced today under the Endowment Incentives Component of the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program.
