FORT SASKATCHEWAN, Alberta, May 14, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Tim Uppal, Member of Parliament (Edmonton-Sherwood Park), today announced funding for the City of Fort Saskatchewan.
This funding will help the City present its Shell Theatre Professional Series, which runs from September 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011. The Series will feature more than 18 professional performing acts and artists from throughout Canada. Productions will include country and classical music, world music and jazz, theatre, comedy, and dance. The Series will also include outreach activities including monthly visual arts exhibits, master classes with local students, and pre-show performances by emerging local artists.
"Our Government recognizes the importance of supporting communities in their artistic and cultural growth," said Minister Moore. "The City of Fort Saskatchewan has made great strides in providing artists with venues and opportunities to showcase their work."
"I am pleased that our Government has provided funding for this exciting ongoing performance series," said Mr. Uppal. "By supporting projects like this one, we are creating an environment in which culture and art are showcased and can enrich the lives of our residents."
"We are very grateful to the Canadian government for providing funding for the City of Fort Saskatchewan's Shell Theatre Professional Series," said Mayor Jim Sheasgreen. "Enhancing one's performing arts and cultural experiences is an important component of one's quality of life, and it is evident that the Government of Canada deems this to be vitally important for our residents and visitors who experience and enjoy shows at the Shell Theatre."
The Shell Theatre, which opened in 2004, is situated within the Dow Centennial Centre in the heart of Fort Saskatchewan. It can seat 550 people and serves as a gathering place for cultural and recreational programming and services. The Theatre provides a variety of performing and visual arts experiences to citizens of Fort Saskatchewan and the surrounding rural areas by presenting Canadian displays and productions, as well as works and performances from other countries.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $16,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund 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.
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
Perry Boldt
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
