CAMPBELLFORD, Ontario, May 28, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament (Northumberland-Quinte West), today announced funding for the Westben Arts Festival Theatre, whose annual Concerts at The Barn festival will take place from July 4 to
August 9.
The festival will feature a variety of musical genres performed by more than 130 Canadian musicians on stage in a barn with state-of-the-art acoustics. In addition to the performance series, the Festival offers outreach and audience development activities. This year, there will be a community concert called the Best of Westben to mark the festival's 10th anniversary.
"Our Government is proud to support the Westben Concerts at The Barn," said Minister Moore. "The natural beauty of Northumberland County provides a unique setting to enjoy great music."
"I am pleased that our Government is furthering our commitment to the arts in Northumberland Quinte West," said Mr. Norlock. "Westben is a wonderful attraction in Trent Hills and widely known for its great productions."
"Westben is thrilled to receive funding from the Government of Canada," said Donna Bennett, Marketing and Advancement Director of the Westben Concerts at The Barn. "Our goal is to enrich communities through music. This support will help bring outstanding musicians to The Barn to work together and create unique programming. It is thrilling to see the creativity and enrichment that arise from musicians meeting for the first time and rehearsing and performing music."
The Government of Canada has provided $42,000 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.
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
