CALGARY, August 28, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), today announced funding for the Alberta Theatre Projects Society.
The Society will use this funding to present the Enbridge playRites Festival of New Canadian Plays, a national showcase of new Canadian writing for the stage. Presented in Calgary every winter, the Festival produces new plays written by emerging playwrights, presents awards, and organizes field trips and a 24-hour playwriting competition.
"We are proud to support the Enbridge playRites Festival of New Canadian Plays, a growing event that contributes to the community's cultural and economic vitality," said Minister Moore. "You are giving emerging talented Canadian artists the chance to share their creations with the community and make themselves better known."
"I am very pleased that our Government is providing ongoing support to the Alberta Theatre Projects Society," said Mr. Richardson. "This event brings theatre fans and playwrights together to enjoy an exciting and entertaining theatrical experience filled with unique and original creations."
"We are very grateful to receive support from the Government of Canada for a bold, diverse, and highly original Festival," said Vanessa Porteous, Artistic Director of Alberta Theatre Projects. "Our annual Enbridge playRites Festival is recognized across the country as a launching pad and showcase of what's new, what's now, and what's next in Canadian theatre and we are very excited to share new stories once again with our audience."
The Alberta Theatre Projects Society's mandate is to produce plays relevant to contemporary life and to showcase emerging artists and their original works. Since its foundation in 1972, the Enbridge playRites Festival of New Canadian Plays has helped launch the careers of many of Canada's most prominent playwrights. Over its history, the Festival has become the largest new play festival in Canada and a seminal event on the national arts calendar.
The Government of Canada has provided $90,000 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.
Stephanie Rea
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
stephanie.rea@pch.gc.ca
Derick McNeil
A/Regional Manager Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel: 604-666-2454
Cell: 604-351-2693
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
