VANCOUVER, May 5, 2008 - Aboriginal theatre students in British Columbia will have continued access to professional arts training thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for Full Circle: First Nations Performance, located in Vancouver.
Full Circle will receive funding of $110,000 to support its Aboriginal Ensemble Training Program, which offers a two-year, full-time professional program that reflects Aboriginal practice. The training aims to promote the development of professional Aboriginal artists who are rooted in their traditions, yet contribute to the vitality of contemporary Aboriginal artistic practice.
"I am proud to support Full Circle in its efforts to give Aboriginal young people the opportunity to study the arts," said Minister Verner. "Quality arts training benefits not only young Aboriginal artists, but also the larger theatre scene in Canada. This training is essential to sustain the vitality of our culture and, more specifically, Aboriginal cultures, which are integral to our history, our identity, and our cultural diversity."
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the National Arts Training Contribution Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program supports independent, non-profit, incorporated Canadian organizations that train Canadians for professional, national, and international careers in the arts.
Information :
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
