TORONTO, May 29, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Whitby-Oshawa), today announced funding for Harbourfront Centre and for two Toronto dance presenters: DanceWorks and Dance Immersion.
This funding will support a number of Harbourfront Centre's performance series and events, including World Stage, World Routes, and HarbourKids. In addition to its year-round cultural programming featuring theatre, dance, music, and multidisciplinary performances, Harbourfront Centre presents a number of arts and multicultural festivals during the summer months when attendance peaks. Harbourfront Centre attracts performers, artists, and audiences of all ages from across the country and around the world.
Funding for DanceWorks and Dance Immersion will support programming for the 2009-2010 season of these two Toronto dance presenters whose works are showcased at Harbourfront Centre and at other Toronto venues.
"Toronto's cultural landscape is greatly enhanced by the contribution of Harbourfront Centre," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to support community organizations such as Harbourfront Centre, one of Canada's key cultural gathering places with more than 12 million visitors every year."
"It is always a pleasure to visit Harbourfront Centre, one of our country's most dynamic cultural institutions," said Minister Flaherty. "We are also pleased to support DanceWorks and Dance Immersion: two dynamic local arts presenters whose works are presented at Harbourfront Centre and throughout Toronto."
"The assistance Harbourfront Centre receives from the Government of Canada helps us bring the best in Canadian dance, theatre, and music to a broad public who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the wealth of creativity of our own artists," said William Boyle, Chief Executive Officer of Harbourfront Centre. "The support of the federal government is essential to our ability to fulfill our educational and cultural mandate."
"Funding from the Government of Canada has allowed DanceWorks to reach diverse audiences, pay fees to artists in line with industry standards, and raise the profile of our Mainstage Series through international collaborations with partners such as Dance Immersion and Harbourfront Centre's World Stage," said Rosslyn Jacob Edwards, General Manager of DanceWorks. "I consider this funding essential to DanceWorks' future stability."
"The funding received from the Government of Canada has enabled Dance Immersion to continue presenting dance performances by Canadian artists of African descent. It has helped broaden their exposure and connect them to international artists and other performance opportunities," said Vivine Scarlett, Program Director/Curator of Dance Immersion.
The Government of Canada has provided $650,000 to Harbourfront Centre, $90,000 to DanceWorks, and $30,000 to Dance Immersion 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
