SWIFT CURRENT, Saskatchewan, April 7, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, David Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and for the Canadian Wheat Board and Member of Parliament (Cypress Hills-Grasslands), today announced funding for two summer festivals.
The 6th annual Windscape Kite Festival will take place in Swift Current on June 19 and 20. It will include workshops, demonstrations, and various children's activities.
The 10th anniversary Summer Solstice Festival d'été is a three-day event taking place in Gravelbourg from June 18 to 20. It will draw on local Francophone, Anglophone, and Métis talent for heritage activities including music, theatre and dance performances, an art exhibit, and children's entertainment.
"Our Government is proud to support festivals that contribute to the development of local tourism and the economy," said Minister Moore. "We recognize the value of empowering organizations in Gravelbourg and Swift Current to support events that provide opportunities for local performers and artists."
"These annual festivals strengthen community ties," said Mr. Anderson. "Through these investments, our Government is providing citizens with more occasions to get involved in their communities through performing and visual arts, as well as through the expression and celebration of local culture and heritage."
"The SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival in Swift Current is a valuable asset to culture and tourism in Saskatchewan, and thanks to this funding and support, we will continue to expand on the success already achieved," said Shann Gowan, Cultural Festivals Coordinator. "We will continue to provide a family-oriented fun event that has something for everyone and attracts people to the 'Land of the Living Skies' to see an amazing interaction of art and wind."
"The Summer Solstice Festival d'été is a celebration of the spirit of our southern Saskatchewan landscape through art, music, dance, literature, and drama," said Shelley Hirstwood, Festival Coordinator. "We are thrilled to receive funding from the Government of Canada; this support will enhance opportunities for local artists and allow us to reach local, regional, and provincial audiences."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $12,300 to the Windscape Kite Club and $9,400 to the Southern Saskatchewan Summer Solstice Festival through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Roxanne Carrière
Senior Communications Advisor
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-984-8700
Cell: 204-228-8866
roxanne.carriere@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
