ASHCROFT, British Columbia, August 21, 2008 - Ashcroft area residents and visitors will have enhanced opportunities to access local performing arts, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Chuck S Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and Member of Parliament (Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritag e and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Corporation of the Village of Ashcroft.
Funding of $23,696 will be used by the Village of Ashcroft and partners from four other British Columbia interior municipalities to launch the Shared Community Stage Project. The project involves the purchase of a fully-equipped, mobile staging system, which includes sound and lighting equipment. Once purchased, the staging system will be shared equally among the par tner communities to present high-quality theatrical and musical presentations.
"The Government of Canada is committed to offering all Canadians the opportunity to appreciate local performing arts," said Minister Verner. "Suppo rting local arts organizations will not only add to the vitality of British Columbia, but of Canada as a whole."
"I am pleased to be part of this funding announcement," said Minister Strahl. "This shared performance and pr esentation space will benefit numerous cultural and community groups in the Ashcroft area and improve the region's ability to present performing arts."
In 2007, the municipalities of Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Clinton, Lillooet, and Lytton, along with School District 74, undertook a consultative process to determine cooperative opportunities. Out of this process, the five municipalities concluded that the purchase of a portable stage system, complete with sound and lighting equipment, would offer the largest benefit for shared use by local schools and organizations. The Shared Community Stage Project will benefit all the communities by increasing access for Canadians to artistic experiences.
The Government of Canada has provid ed this funding under the Department of Canadian Heritage's Cultural Spaces Canada program. This program contributes to improved physical conditions for artistic creativity and presentation or exhibition. It is designed to improve access for Canadians to the performing, visual, and media arts, museum collections, and heritage exhibitions.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Status of Wo men and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
