VILLE DE SAGUENAY, Quebec, March 31, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of State (Agriculture), and Member of Parliament (Jonquière-Alma), today announced funding for the Festival des musiques de création in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean.
This funding will allow residents and visitors to the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region to once again enjoy unique artistic expressions as part of an innovative program of activities. The Festival will take place from May 15 to 30, 2009.
The Festival des musiques de création in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean is the only arts presenter of its kind in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region. The 18th edition of the Festival will feature 10 shows (five double programs) of experimental, contemporary, improvisational, and creative music and musical research by artists from Canada and elsewhere. In addition, educational activities will take place, including roundtables and meetings in educational institutions and discussions between artists and the public.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support a dynamic and thriving cultural sector," said Minister Moore. "Thanks to our investments in Canada's future, we are offering citizens more choices and improving the quality of life in our communities. I wish Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean residents and visitors a rhythmic musical season!"
"I applaud the Festival team for its hard work, particularly Pierre Dumont. They have put in place original ways of making creative music accessible to a greater number of people," said Minister Blackburn. "A not-to-be-missed event in the region each spring, the Festival des musiques de création offers us a journey of discovery year after year."
"The Festival des musiques de création in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean wishes to thank the Government of Canada. We are very pleased to have your support as a partner in presenting the 18th edition of our festival this spring," said Pierre Dumont, Artistic Director and General Manager of the Festival. "These funds will strengthen our work and our involvement in regional culture by enabling us to increase the number of concerts and raise the fees paid to provincial and regional artists."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $15,000 under the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The 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.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Éric Amyot
Director, Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
