SAINTE-MARIE, Quebec, May 18, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Member of Parliament (Beauce), today announced funding for the Festival folklorique international de Sainte-Marie to hold the Festival Couleurs du monde, which will take place from July 1 to 4, 2010.
This funding will be used for a variety of events at the festival, which is open to citizens of Sainte-Marie and the Beauce as well as visitors. The 2010 edition will offer rhythm, dance, and percussion performances from Canada and around the world; family activities; discussions; local food products; and much more. The Festival brings together more than 300 professional artists, up-and-coming artists, Aboriginal artists, and performers from various cultural communities. Workshops, activities for children and adults, and meet-the-artist events are also on the schedule.
"A popular event such as Couleurs du monde that lets us share our culture with people from other areas is an achievement in itself, since festival goers all enjoy a very humane experience that goes beyond borders," said Minister Moore. "The Government of Canada is honoured to support festivals such as this one that strengthen bonds between people and provide tourism benefits, fostering community social and economic development."
"On behalf of our Government, I am pleased to participate in the Festival Couleurs du monde, which showcases Quebec, Canadian, and foreign talent, to the delight of people from the Beauce and the world over," said Mr. Bernier. "This event focuses on up-and-coming artists and reaches out to a variety of audiences, including children, young people, and seniors, with well-chosen performances. It is not only economically significant to the region but is also the pride of its citizens."
"Our festival is very proud to have Canadian Heritage as a partner. This department has been supporting us for several years, and without its support, we would probably not be able to host such a large-scale event," said Bruno Vachon, President of the Festival folklorique international de Sainte-Marie.
The mission of the Festival folklorique international de Sainte-Marie is to plan and organize a cultural festival in Sainte-Marie that promotes the heritage of the region to Canada and the world. Educational and loyalty-building activities target young people, families, and seniors. The festival, formerly known as Gigue en Fête, has had a new name since February 2010 - the Festival Couleurs du monde - to reflect a more diverse program of activities.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $18,000 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.
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
