SUMMERSIDE, Prince Edward Island, June 25, 2008 - Residents and visitors of the Summerside area will be able to enjoy genuine Celtic culture during Event in the Tent, thanks in part to an investment from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, 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 College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada.
Funding of $14,500 will help the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada present Event in the Tent, a cultural event presenting traditional and non-traditional Celtic art performances. From June 27 to 29, 2008, more than 30 professionals and emerging artists will perform in various Celtic artistic disciplines such as piping, dancing, and drumming.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada in the organization of this event highlighting the richness of the Celtic culture," said Minister Verner. "Our Government is committed to improving accessibility for all Canadians to various artistic and cultural experiences."
"The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada is playing an important role in promoting and preserving Celtic culture on Prince Edward Island," said Minister MacKay. "Our Government is proud to support an organization which helps share our culture through education and promotion."
"The funding provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage enables us to present authentic, world-class musicians and dancers from across North America and from around the globe," said Scott MacAulay, Executive Director of The College of Piping. "It would not be possible to produce the quality and diversity of talent that will be showcased in 'The Event In The Tent' without the support from the Department of Canadian Heritage."
The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada was established in 1990 and is the only year-round school of its kind in North America. It is a world-class educational facility and visitor attraction with a mandate that aims to preserve and promote the Celtic heritage of Prince Edward Island.
The Government of Canada has provided this support through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to give Canadians more access to direct experiences of the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentation 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 and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
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