VANCOUVER ISLAND, July 30, 2008 -Residents and visitors to Vancouver Island will have an opportunity to take part in the Showcase Theatre Festival and Comox Nautical Days 50th Anniversary, thanks to an investment by the Government of Can nada.
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament (Okanagan-Coquihalla), 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 Showcase Theatre Festival Society and the Comox Nautical Days Festival Committee.
Funding of $6,000 will help Showcase Theatre produce the fourth annual Showcase Theatre Festival, which wi ll feature local artists and heritage performers in a series of demonstrations, and the premiere of Dancing in the Dust. Funding of $4,000 will help the Comox Nautical Days Festival Committee stage the Comox Nautical Days 50th Anniversary. This event will feature family-oriented activities, demonstrations by local amateur and professional artists, and a number of marine activities.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for the Showcase Theatre Festival Festival and th e Comox Nautical Days 50th Anniversary," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."
"Local festivals like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building strong communities," said Minister Day. "I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen our shared sense of heritage."
"Our sincere tha nks to the Department of Canadian Heritage for the generous grant to the Comox Nautical Days Festival Committee," said Dr. Jim Brass, Mayor of Comox. "The Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and the Committee is planning on m aking it extra special. This Festival has become the event that citizens of Comox look forward to, and people come from all over British Columbia to take part in the four-day celebration of local talent and display of fine crafts."
The B uilding Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in events and activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and anniversaries throughout Canada this year.
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
Media Relations
Ca nadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
