MONCTON, August 28, 2008 - Three cultural organizations will be able to offer high-quality artistic experiences and help promote arts and culture in New Brunswick and the Atlantic region, thanks to support from Canada's Government.
The Honourable James Moore, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages), today announced funding to three cultural organizations in Atlantic Canada. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie.
"Canada's Government is proud to contribute to the success of cultural organizations in Atlantic Canada," said Minister Verner. "Our Government is committed to increasing the accessibility of arts and culture in this country, and today's announcement is proof of this commitment."
"The contribution of groups and presenters is essential to the development and growth of our cultural and linguistic communities," said Secretary of State Moore. "Thanks to the dedication of these organizations, Canadians are able to benefit from our country's diversity and cultural richness."
A total investment of $102,500 will be shared by the Atlantic Presenters Association (APA), the Galerie Sans Nom, and the Francofête en Acadie.
"Since its inception, the Atlantic Presenters Association has worked closely with the federal government. Its critical funding has assisted the organization to be where it is today," said Peter D. Smith, APA President. "One of the major components of APA activity is the biannual performing arts showcase, Contact East, each edition of which is presented in a different province. Contact East 2009 will take place in Moncton, New Brunswick, in October 2009, and the planning for this event is well advanced."
The Government of Canada has provided this support 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
Claudine Daigle
Director, Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506 851-3980
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
Backgrounder
Atlantic Presenters Association (APA) will receive $50,000 for programming activities including block booking, facilitating professional development and skills training, and presenters' workshops in marketing, sponsorship, human resources, and other topics.
Since 2001, the APA has been the regional arts presenters' organization for the four Atlantic provinces. It represents 50 members (30 in Nova Scotia, 11 in New Brunswick, 3 in Prince Edward Island, and 6 in Newfoundland and Labrador). Its members include the Capitol Theatre in Moncton, the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, and the Osprey Arts Centre in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. The APA is the organizer for Contact East, a biannual event for presenters. The next Contact East conference will be held in Moncton in 2009.
La Francofête en Acadie will receive funding of $35,500 to present Contact-Acadie, an annual Francophone artistic event where artists, presenters, programmers, and network representatives can share and learn about business trends. Contact-Acadie aims to improve market development for Francophone artists and organizations in Atlantic Canada. This event will take place in Moncton, from November 5 to 9, 2008.
La Galerie Sans Nom will receive $17,000 to present REFLUX and TRIP URBAIN, two major cultural festivals. REFLUX is an annual musical and artistic sound event. TRIP URBAIN celebrates public performance, installation, and interdisciplinary arts. This event takes place in November, during the Francofête en Acadie.
The Galerie Sans Nom will receive $11,500 for its programming and $5,500 for community engagement under the Arts Presentation Canada Program.
