KASLO, British Columbia, May 21, 2008 - Kaslo-area residents and visitors will be able to enjoy more high-quality musical performances, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Jim Abbott, Parliamentary Secretary for Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament (Kootenay-Columbia), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Society.
Funding of $12,000 will help the Society produce this year's Summer Music Festival, which will take place August 1 to 3, 2008. The Festival will feature an eclectic mix of jazz and other musical performances that aims to acquaint audiences with emerging jazz forms and notable artists. This year, the Festival will also present free and low-cost workshops to the community.
"The Government of Canada recognizes that culture is an important part of healthy communities," said Minister Verner. "Our Government wants to ensure that all Canadians have opportunities to enjoy diverse and varied artistic experiences, such as the annual Kaslo Summer Music Festival."
"Arts organizations must have access to resources that enable them to flourish in their communities," said Mr. Abbott. "Today's funding will allow this organization to offer unique cultural experiences to audiences in British Columbia."
"The Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival has been the premier musical event in the Kootenays for 17 years," said Jim Holland, Executive Director of the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Society. "The recognition and the funding provided by Canadian Heritage's Arts Presentation Canada Program ensure an opportunity for a rich cross-pollination of cultural experiences from across Canada, while contributing to the prosperity of this remote region."
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 and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
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
