VICTORIA, May 23, 2008 - Three arts and culture festivals will once again brighten Vancouver Island's cultural landscape, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (Saanich-Gulf Islands), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced total funding of $102,000 for the Dance Victoria Society, the Island Arts Centre Society, and the Runnymede Enhancement Society.
"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 artistic experiences."
"Arts organizations must have access to resources that enable them to flourish in their communities," said Minister Lunn. "Today's funding will allow these organizations to offer unique cultural experiences to audiences in British Columbia."
"The story of Dance Victoria is remarkable, which is why last season, more than 17 500 people saw a Dance Victoria presentation," said Stephen White, Executive Producer for the Dance Victoria Society. "Beyond its dynamic presentation series, Dance Victoria is making a significant investment in its community, spending more than $240,000 to support professional training and the creation of new work through a program called Dance Futures."
The Dance Victoria Society will use the investment to present the Dance Victoria Series of classical and contemporary dance, which will take place in venues throughout Victoria. The Island Arts Centre Society will use funding to present a multidisciplinary season including five series, a String Quartet Festival, workshops, residencies, and a number of outreach activities. The season will include about 30 acts featuring dance, theatre, and classical and jazz music. The Runnymede Enhancement Society will use funding to present the Antimatter Underground Film Festival, an annual festival of innovative and international media that will feature 30 programs of film and video, as well as numerous outreach activities.
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
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
