GUELPH, Ontario, May 6, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament (Wellington-Halton Hills), today announced funding for the Hillside Community Festival of Guelph.
This funding will support the 26 th edition of the four-day summer festival, as well as the 3 rd annual Hillside Inside winter festival, taking place in February 2010. The summer festival will feature more than 50 artists performing in a variety of genres, including folk, pop, indie rock, and spoken word. There will also be a number of community workshops and unique performances in the Aboriginal Circle and Children's Area. The winter festival will feature 25 artists performing in the same variety of genres as at the summer festival.
"These festivals attract many tourists to the area, which benefits local businesses and strengthens the community," said Minister Moore. "Congratulations to the Hillside Community Festival of Guelph; year after year, you continue to make important contributions to Canada's cultural landscape."
"Thanks to the folks at the Hillside Community Festival of Guelph, this community has access to top-notch musical entertainment that appeals to people of all ages," said Mr. Chong. "These festivals have become an exciting tradition for this region, and I am proud that our Government recognizes the valuable contribution that Hillside makes to the cultural and economic vitality of Guelph."
"The Hillside board, staff, and volunteers were delighted to get the news that the Government of Canada will support our organization's 2009 summer festival, called the Hillside Festival, and our 2010 winter event, called Hillside Inside," said Rachel Thompson, Executive Director of the Hillside Community Festival of Guelph. "This support will help us present a diverse array of Canadian and international talent."
The Government of Canada has provided $60,000 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, 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 Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
