PETERBOROUGH, Ontario, April 16, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Dean Del Mastro, Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament (Peterborough), today announced funding for Peterborough New Dance and Performance.
Funding will support the 2009-2010 Peterborough New Dance season. The series of professional and emerging works will include contemporary dance, theatre, and interdisciplinary performances by over 75 Canadian and international artists. Performances will be augmented by outreach and audience development activities, such as classes, demonstrations, readings, and workshops.
"Our Government, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is investing more in arts and culture than any government in Canadian history," said Minister Moore. "We are proud to support organizations like this one, which are helping artists build their career and are contributing to their community."
"It is important to ensure that all Canadians can celebrate the talent of our artists, like those in the Peterborough New Dance and Performance, and enjoy the diversity of our culture," said Mr. Del Mastro. "These dancers are making our community stronger and more vibrant by contributing to the cultural vitality and quality of life right here in Peterborough."
"This contribution from the Government of Canada is vital to achieving our programming. Without this support, the citizens of Peterborough would not be able to experience the wide range of dance and theatre artists that we bring to the city from across the country," said Bill Kimball, Artistic Producer of Peterborough New Dance and Performance. "This funding is crucial to maintaining the ability of all Canadians to experience the great variety of artists Canada has to offer."
The Government of Canada has provided $55,000 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, presentation 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
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
