ELORA, Ontario, May 26, 2008 - Residents and visitors of Elora will be able to enjoy high-quality musical performances this summer, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament (Wellington-Halton Hills), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Three Centuries Festival.
Funding of $48,000 will support the Three Centuries Festival in presenting its annual summer event, which will run from July 11 to August 3, 2008. The Festival will showcase both classical and contemporary music performed by Canadian and international artists, with an emphasis on choral works.
"Over the years, the Three Centuries Festival has made important contributions to Canada's cultural landscape and to the economy of Elora and its region," said Minister Verner. "Every year, this festival brings people together from across the country and attracts many tourists. Not only do festivals play an important role in developing our home grown artistic talent in Canada, but they also lead to great benefits for our communities."
"This festival is a key contributor to the cultural vitality of Elora and Wellington County," said Mr. Chong. "It is important to support local cultural events that highlight the artistic excellence of Canadians. We support such organizations because we believe in Canadian arts and culture."
"The Elora Festival (Three Centuries Festival) is extremely pleased to have received funding from the Canadian Heritage Arts Presentation Canada Program for its 29th season," said Joanne Grodzinski, General Manager, Elora Festival. "The increase of over 37 percent shows tremendous confidence by the federal government in the programming that we offer to our own community and beyond. We know that this funding will help support one of the finest seasons we have yet produced."
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
819 997-7788
Maya Kane
Manager, Regional Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 954-6615
