SPRUCE GROVE, ALBERTA, June 15, 2008 - Spruce Grove-area residents and visitors will be able to enjoy even more, high-quality multidisciplinary performances, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Member of Parliament (Edmonton-Spruce Grove), 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 City of Spruce Grove.
The $40,000 in funding will help support the Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre's 2008-2009 performance series. As a multi-disciplinary presenter, the Horizon Stage will showcase a variety of artists performing a wide range of genres. The 2008-2009 series will feature the mainstage season and a family matinee series. In addition, Horizon Stage will present outreach activities in the community and special events for diverse audiences, such as First Nations and local seniors.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support Alberta's performing arts scene," said Minister Verner. "The Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre provides an important venue for artists and creators from across the province and give audiences access to high-quality artistic experiences."
"We are privileged to have some of Canada's best multidisciplinary performance art creators here in Alberta," added Minister Ambrose. "These artists contribute to the vitality of the region's cultural scene with their dynamic array of programming."
"The ongoing partnership between Canadian Heritage and Horizon Stage is a three-way win. Horizon Stage has been able to expand its program dramatically by presenting new artists and bringing artists into schools," said Lawrie Seligman, Supervisor of Horizon Stage's Cultural Program. "Canadian Heritage has been able to ensure the residents of Spruce Grove and Parkland County have increased access to the performing arts. And the biggest winners of all--our audiences--have increased access to artistic activities, right in their own home community."
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
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
