MEDICINE HAT, Alberta, May 18, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, LaVar Payne, Member of Parliament (Medicine Hat), today announced funding for the City of Medicine Hat's Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre.
This funding will help the Centre present the LiveMore performing art series in the Esplanade Theatre, from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. The series will feature 18 acts and artists from across Canada in 20 performances. Twelve additional Alberta artists will be featured during the Heritage Days festivities in August, and 12 noontime performances will be presented during the Tunes and Noon series. Outreach activities will include workshops and question/answer sessions by five of the artists as well as a summer arts program for youth, called "Esplanauts."
"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting communities in their artistic and cultural growth," said Minister Moore. "The City of Medicine Hat's Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre is continuing to provide opportunities for cultural growth and increasing the area's vibrant artistic scene."
"I am pleased that our Government is supporting this exciting ongoing performance series," said Mr. Payne. "By supporting projects such as this one, we are creating an environment in which culture and art are showcased and can enrich the lives of our residents."
"With the support of the Government of Canada, we can continue to provide the citizens of Medicine Hat and the surrounding area with live performances that stimulate the imagination, stir the emotions, and stoke our pride full of Canadian culture and diversity," said Paul Heywood, Director of Theatre Operations for the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre.
The Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre was built in 2005 as an Alberta centennial legacy project to bring together the Medicine Hat Museum, Art Gallery, and Archives. The Centre also houses two theatres, featuring state-of-the-art acoustic design and large stages capable of accommodating a variety of musical and theatrical performances.
The Government of Canada has provided $45,000 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
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
