REGINA, May 22, 2008 - The people of Saskatchewan and visitors to the province will have the opportunity to take part in a spring festival that invites children, young people, and adults to create, participate in, and enjoy the arts in all their diversity, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
Dave Batters, Member of Parliament (Palliser), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Cathedral Area Community Association.
This organization will receive $6,000 for the 2008 Cathedral Village Arts Festival, which is taking place May 19 to 24. This festival features six days of music, dance, literary presentations, visual art, and theatre performances. There are also children's activities, like lantern workshops, and displays to engage the community by fostering the creative spirit in everyone.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Cathedral Area Community Association," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate the diversity of cultural expression in Canada."
"Local festivals like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building strong communities," said Mr. Batters. "The Government of Canada is proud to support local community organizations in their efforts to provide Canadians with access to activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."
"The Cathedral Village Arts Festival has, for the last 17 years, been founded on the principle that art is rooted in and helps to create community. Support through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage has been instrumental in helping the Festival put this principle into practice," said Nils Clausson, Festival Chair. "Local artists, businesses, churches, schoolchildren, and Cathedral residents have been united in making the creation and public display of art available for everyone in our community."
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.
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Angela Cassie
A/Director of Communications and
Executive Services
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367
