LE BIC, Quebec, April 12, 2010 - 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 to the Théâtre les gens d'en bas for the Théâtre du Bic's 2010-2011 programming, taking place from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.
The Théâtre du Bic's program will include original plays and contemporary dance performances. These activities will be added to outreach activities including sessions that bring together audiences and creators, training workshops, and master classes.
"For more than 30 years, the Théâtre les gens d'en bas has offered quality theatrical experiences, with works based on scripts from playwrights from Quebec, elsewhere in Canada and beyond," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is pleased to support organizations whose knowledge of the artistic world, commitment to offering audiences quality works, and support for emerging artists make them the pride of our vast country."
"Today's announcement is great news for creators, artists, and producers dedicated to the arts in this region," said Minister Paradis. "By promoting arts and culture, we are not only ensuring that the community is offered top-quality shows, but are also providing them with the tools necessary to stimulate their economy."
"The Théâtre du Bic's audience is grateful to the Government of Canada, whose support enables our theatre to give access to the best theatrical creations from Quebec, other Canadian provinces, and abroad," said Benoit Vaillancourt, Artistic Director and General Manager of the Théâtre du Bic.
The Théâtre les gens d'en bas serves the population of the Bas-St-Laurent region in addition to the city of Rimouski, with a population of about 50,000, and the towns of Trois-Pistoles, Matane, and Amqui.
The Government of Canada has provided $22,000 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.
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Éric Amyot
Director, Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
