SASKATOON, June 11, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin), today announced funding for the 25th Street Theatre Centre for the 2010 Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival.
The Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival, which will take place from July 29 to August 7, 2010, is a 10-day cultural community event featuring more than 200 theatrical performances in four venues. Outreach and audience development activities will include "Flex," an emerging artist participation and mentorship program, "Flex Rising," a similar program for artists under the age of 14, and "Access to Art," which provides community members facing financial barriers with access to the arts.
"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of arts and culture in our society and is committed to helping organizations that contribute not only to their community's cultural vitality, but also to its economy," said Minister Moore. "Today's investment will provide artists with opportunities to express their creativity, while enhancing the quality of life of Saskatchewan residents and visitors."
"I'm pleased that our Government continues to recognize the value of local arts and culture," said Mr. Vellacott. "Thanks to the Government of Canada's support and the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers of the 25th Street Theatre Centre, our community will continue to have access to quality cultural experiences."
"As producer of the Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival, 25th Street Theatre Centre welcomes the continued support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage," said Robert Wyma, Executive Director and Festival Producer of 25th Street Theatre Centre. "The Saskatoon Fringe is recognized as a catalyst for a diverse and eclectic body of independent theatrical art as one of the top ten fringe festivals in North America."
The Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival is one of Saskatoon's widely celebrated summer festivals and features accessible, affordable theatre performed by independent theatre artists from around the world. It is one of the largest cultural celebrations in Saskatchewan and attracts thousands of theatre patrons.
The Government of Canada has provided $17,000 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
Francine D. Lefebvre
Director
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-983-4367
Cell: 204-899-8611
francine.lefebvre@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
