COURTENAY, British Columbia, May 27, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, John Duncan, Member of Parliament (Vancouver Island North), today announced funding for the Comox Valley Folk Society.
Funding will be used to support the 15th annual Vancouver Island MusicFest, which will take place from July 10 to 12, 2009. MusicFest will be held at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds and will feature 140 performances of jazz, folk, roots, and world music by Canadian and international artists. The festival will also offer children's activities, interactive workshops, and eco-education.
"Our Government recognizes that creativity and innovation are essential to Canadian cultural life, our communities, and our economy," said Minister Moore. "The Comox Valley Folk Society makes an outstanding contribution to the cultural vitality of the region, and we are proud to contribute to it."
"MusicFest is a great summer tradition that draws amazing artists to the Comox Valley," said Mr. Duncan. "I know it is a major draw for the communities of the North Island and beyond, and I am pleased that our Government can support it in this way."
"Vancouver Island MusicFest is grateful for the ongoing support from the federal government for our MusicFest. As a rural festival, we face challenges operating on the same scale as festivals in larger urban centres," said Jay Oddleifson, President of the Vancouver Island MusicFest Board of Directors. "The support and acknowledgment from the Government of Canada toward our efforts on rural Vancouver Island are appreciated."
The Comox Valley Folk Society, established in 1995, has a mandate to promote and preserve folk performing arts through presentations, concerts series, workshops, and the delivery of a large-scale folk and roots festival each summer in the Comox Valley. The annual Vancouver Island MusicFest encourages an atmosphere of cross-cultural interchange by producing an ethnically diverse, family-oriented, and volunteer-friendly event.
The Government of Canada has provided $25,000 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.
Information:
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
