MONCTON, April 17, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Andrée Champagne, Senator (Grandville, Quebec), today announced funding for the 2009 edition of the Frye Festival.
The funding will assist this literary festival in delivering its programming, which includes author readings, round-table discussions, workshops, and activities in schools, cafés, and restaurants throughout the Moncton area.
"Arts and culture are essential components of the social and economic vitality of our communities," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to support organizations such as the Frye Festival, which has been strenghtening the bond between readers and writers for the past 10 years."
"It is an honour and a pleasure to be here and to see that this government support has been used in such a good way," said Senator Champagne. "The Frye Festival encourages the art of writing and the pleasure of reading in this bilingual province's two languages. It doesn't get better than this!"
"We are delighted with the funding received from the Government of Canada through the Arts Presentation Canada program," said Dawn Arnold, President of the Frye Festival. "This funding will allow us to expand the activities of the festival and provide additional opportunities for writers, while enriching the experience of the public and volunteers."
The 10th edition of the Frye Festival will take place in Moncton from April 17 to 26. Canada's only bilingual literary festival has been bringing Canadian and globally-renowned French- and English-language writers to New Brunswick readers year after year. This year, the Festival will once again sponsor a writing competition open to New Brunswick students as part of its expanding youth outreach activities.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $50,000 under 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, 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
Claudine Daigle
Director, Regional Communications
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
