VERNON, British Columbia, June 5, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament (Okanagan-Shuswap), today announced funding for the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society.
This funding will help support the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre's fall presentation series. As a multi-disciplinary presentation series, this year's season will feature professional touring artists from across Canada. Planned activities include live theatre, dance, children's shows, and youth outreach activities.
"Creativity and innovation are essential to our Canadian cultural life," said Minister Moore. "The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society makes an outstanding contribution to the cultural vitality of the region, and we are proud to contribute to it."
"The Vernon and District Performing Arts Society is a wonderful organization that continues to bring a wealth of quality performing arts to our region," said Mr. Mayes. "Our Government is supporting arts and culture organizations across Canada as they work to enrich our communities. I am certain that this funding will assist the Society in its efforts to provide valuable cultural opportunities in its community."
"The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society is most pleased to receive this generous funding from the Government of Canada," said Sigrid-Ann Thors, President of the Society's Board of Directors. "North Okanagan audiences will have more access to artists' work from all regions of Canada because of this support-work that reflects our country's rich cultural diversity."
The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society operates the Performing Arts Centre, located in the city of Vernon, and serves the population of the region.
The Government of Canada has provided $30,000 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
