PORT MOODY, British Columbia, September 26, 2009 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam), announced funding for the 12th annual Port Moody Festival of the Arts while attending the official festival launch yesterday evening.
"Our Government is delighted to support the Port Moody Festival of the Arts, a world-class event that contributes to the vitality of the community," said Minister Moore. "This event successfully brings together the work of culturally diverse artists and presents visual arts displays, concerts, circus, magic, and contemporary artistic genres."
"We're very pleased to continue to receive the support from the Government of Canada for the Port Moody Festival of the Arts," said Jane Matthews, Executive Director of the Port Moody Arts Centre Society. "This funding helps us bring local and national artists to the Port Moody community."
The Port Moody Arts Centre Society, incorporated in August 1998, stimulates, develops, and promotes arts and culture in Port Moody by providing opportunities for all members of the community to participate in a variety of artistic pursuits. The Society operates the Port Moody Arts Centre, which has four different art galleries that host over 48 shows a year, a gift shop, many member groups, and a strong volunteer base. The Society also produces several arts and heritage events throughout the year, including the Port Moody Festival of the Arts and the Wearable Art Awards, which attract entrants from across Canada and the United States.
The Government of Canada has provided $10,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (formerly Arts Presentation Canada program) of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety 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
media@pch.gc.ca
