RICHMOND, Quebec, November 3, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable), today announced funding for Réseau Centre.
The funding will enable Réseau Centre to support its members' skills upgrading through a range of activities and services. The aim is to develop, maintain, and enhance their professionalism so as to increase and diversify programming at the network members' performance halls.
"Organizations like Réseau Centre give a voice to regional presenters and help them carve out a niche on the cultural scene," said Minister Moore. "Réseau Centre promotes our culture and the growth of our economy through the important role it plays with performance presenters."
"Our Government is pleased to support Réseau Centre and similar organizations that help Canadian artists showcase their talent not only in major urban centres but also in the regions," added Minister Paradis. "This is why we are proud of our partnership with this organization, which has been active in the performance industry for the past 10 years."
Today, Réseau Centre has more than 23 members from the Chaudière-Appalaches, Centre-du-Québec, Mauricie, Eastern Townships, and Québec City regions. It supports presenters by enabling them to share their artistic or other knowledge through various activities. Whether in meetings, conferences, workshops, promotional events, or season launches, Réseau Centre supports development of the performing arts.
The Government of Canada has provided $15,000 in funding under the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (formerly Arts Presentation Canada) of the Department of Canadian Heritage for programming activities to be held between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011. The Fund seeks to give Canadians greater access to Canada's rich and varied culture at professional-level festivals and performances and other arts events.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Éric Amyot
Regional Communications Director
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
eric.amyot@phc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
