EDMONTON, May 27, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), today announced funding for the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta (ATAA).
Funding will help support the ATAA's Showcase 2009, which will be held in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. This annual marketing, performance, and networking event brings together artists, presenters, agents, and other showcase organizers from across Canada to facilitate the development and growth of touring arts performance in Alberta. Showcase also introduces 24 acts from all genres to more than 300 presenters, mainly from small and rural communities throughout Alberta.
"Creativity and innovation are essential to our Canadian cultural life," said Minister Moore. "The Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta makes an outstanding contribution to the cultural vitality of the province, and we are proud to support it."
"It's a great pleasure to announce funding for the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta. The Arts Touring Alliance brings together artists, presenters, agents, and showcase organizers from other provinces that are passionate about bringing live performances to their communities," said Mr. Hawn.
"We are very grateful that the Government of Canada continues to support our endeavours in building a strong touring industry in Alberta," said Dave Goodwin, Chair, ATAA. "With this assistance the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta is able to give communities across the province access to high-calibre professional artists. A strong network also helps artists find their audiences."
The Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta Society is dedicated to the maintenance, development, and growth of a strong touring arts industry in Alberta through networking opportunities, access to professional development services, and programs that promote and nurture all aspects of arts touring. Through their annual Showcase and ongoing initiatives, the organization seeks to make touring arts performances accessible to all Albertans, both urban and rural.
The Government of Canada has provided $75,000 in funding 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.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
