FREDERICTON, April 7, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced funding that will benefit six arts organizations in New Brunswick.
"Our Government is proud to support the arts in New Brunswick," said Minister Moore. "The cultural sector needs stability in this time of economic uncertainty. With this support, artists and arts organizations can plan their activities for the longer term and continue to present innovative works that will make New Brunswickers and Canadians proud."
"Organizations such as those receiving funding today make an exceptional contribution to the province's arts, culture, and heritage," said Minister Ashfield. "And they are definitely assets for the economy and quality of life of our communities."
"We are delighted with the support given to organizations from the arts sector and are pleased to see these organizations concerned with their long-term funding, plan for their future, and take action," said Anne Bertrand, New Brunswick Foundation for the Arts Chair.
Four organizations will receive matching funds totalling $29,116 through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund , which encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations.
The Government of Canada will provide funding to the Northrop Frye International Literary Festival ($17,754), New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative Ltd. ($5,681), Musical Ventures ($3,551), and the Organization for the Development of Artist-Gallery Connexion ($2,130).
The New Brunswick Foundation for the Arts will manage and invest the funds for the four arts organizations. This year, the Government of Canada is providing 71 cents for every dollar donated by the private sector. Since 2006, this program has provided $59.5 million to various endowment funds, while the private sector has provided $93.5 million, for a total of more than $153 million.
Two other arts organizations will receive funding through two separate programs. Notable Acts will receive funding of $8,800 to present the 9 th edition of the Notable Acts Summer Theatre Festival in Fredericton in late July and early August. Festival activities include local theatre in a main stage production, one-act plays, play readings, and free outdoor street theatre.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding 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.
The Atlantic Provinces Art Gallery Association will receive funding of $5,241 to present two workshops to its members and the arts community in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The workshops "Engaging Aboriginal Communities" and "Life on the Margins: We're Ready for our Close-up" will be delivered in May 2010. This support is being provided through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
