BANFF, Alberta, May 19, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Blake Richards, Member of Parliament (Wild Rose), today announced that the Government of Canada will match donations made by individuals, companies, and community groups to the Banff Centre's endowment funds, held with the Banff Centre Foundation and the Banff Community Foundation.
"Our Government is pleased to support the Banff Centre, which plays an important role in promoting creative artists and leaders," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to match private-sector financial support for the Banff Centre so that it can continue to inspire creativity for years to come."
The contributions announced today total $1,420,333. The Banff Centre Foundation will receive $1,349,316 and the Banff Community Foundation $71,017. These amounts are in addition to donations provided by private donors to the organization's endowment funds.
"Through investments such as this, our Government continues to recognize the role that artistic creativity and innovation play in building a stronger economy," said Mr. Richards. "The Banff Centre contributes to quality of life here in Alberta, as well as to the growth of this country's vibrant arts sector."
"This endowment funding will fuel creativity, support economic growth, and enrich Canadian culture by enabling Canada's next generation of artists to access professional and creative development opportunities at the Banff Centre," said Mary Hofstetter, the Centre's President and CEO. "Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada and our endowment donors, new works created in Banff will illuminate stages and galleries from coast to coast."
The funding has been provided through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund (formerly the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program). 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 $114 million, for a total of more than $173 million.
For more information (media only), please contact:
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
