SASKATOON, May 30, 2008 - Young people in Saskatoon will have an opportunity to participate in a one-of-a-kind professional theatre program, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Persephone Theatre.
Funding of $25,000 will enable the organization to offer dynamic theatre programming featuring a variety of themes and genres. The ISC Youth Series will present plays that are written specifically for young people by specialists in the field. The 2008-2009 season will consist of four productions that all theatre-goers will enjoy.
"Our Government is committed to providing the people of Saskatchewan with opportunities to access arts of all forms," said Minister Verner. "The Government of Canada is proud to support this unique series of performances focused on the young people of today."
"The Persephone Theatre is an organization that has always set out to enrich their audiences with quality performances like the ISC Youth Series," said Mr. Vellacott. "This event is the only one of its kind in Saskatchewan, as it caters to an underserved age group and adds to the artistic vitality of our province."
"The Department of Canadian Heritage provides crucial funding for the ISC Persephone Youth Series," said Will Brooks, Youth Programming Director. "The ability to bring issue based productions of the highest artistic excellence to Saskatoon youth is an important part of developing our community. With the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, we are ensuring a vital cultural future."
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.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Angela Cassie
A/Director of Communications and Executive Services
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367
