SAGUENAY, Quebec, June 8, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Minister of State (Agriculture), and Member of Parliament (Jonquière-Alma), today announced funding for Jonquière en musique for the 21st edition of the festival of the same name, which will take place from June 30 to July 17, 2010.
This funding will go towards various festival activities to which people of all ages, from the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region and beyond, are invited. The 2010 edition will feature free concerts by up-and-coming artists and regional talent, as well as family activities including music, clowns, and face painting. This year's festival will showcase 58 local musicians and rely on the participation of 100 volunteers.
"The very essence of a festival, such as Jonquière en musique, is to bring people together around activities of common interest and to highlight the variety of local talent," said Minister Moore. "This is how we create dynamic communities that know the value of their culture and their identity. This is why our Government is proud to invest in events like this one."
"Jonquière en musique is one of those events that focuses on up-and-coming artists, attracts a broad audience--including children, youth, and adults--and offers all of its performances free of charge," added Minister Blackburn. "Not only does it play an important role in the region's economy, but it is also a source of pride for its citizens
Jonquière en musique is a non-profit organization created in 1991. Over the years, the festival has become one of Quebec's major music events offering entirely free programming. The festival is held in the city of Saguenay, on St-Dominique Street, in the heart of the downtown borough of Jonquière.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $25,400 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
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
eric.amyot@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
