GEORGINA, Ontario, June 6, 2008 - An investment by the Government of Canada will assist the Blue Bridge Festival in showcasing local musicians, songwriters, and poets again this year.
The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Minister for Democratic Reform and Member of Parliament (York-Simcoe), 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 Ardeleana Chamber Music Society.
The Ardeleana Chamber Music Society will receive funding of $10,000 to help present the second Blue Bridge Festival. This three-day music festival features workshops and performances by local musicians, singers, and poets.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Blue Bridge Festival," said Minister Verner. "We are committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to experience and celebrate Canadian arts and culture."
"Georgina and York-Simcoe have many successful arts organizations," said Minister Van Loan. "Strong community and private sector support has helped them succeed, and I am pleased that the Government of Canada is also willing to help."
"On behalf of the Ardeleana Chamber Music Society, a registered charity promoting Canadian art and music for twenty-one years, I would like to thank the Department of Canadian Heritage for their support of the second annual Blue Bridge Festival," said Brenda Muller, Artistic Director of the Ardeleana Chamber Music Society. "This unique festival integrates Canadian music, poetry, and song in a highly original festival that builds bridges between the arts, between community groups and professionals, and between these charming towns on the south shore of Lake Simcoe and the rest of Canada."
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada.
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
Maya Kane
Manager, Regional Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 954-6615
