GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alberta, July 12, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament (Peace River), today announced funding for the Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival Association.
This funding will support the 10th annual Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival, which is taking place from July 17 to 19. The event will transform the streets of downtown Grande Prairie into a family atmosphere featuring local and international street performers. The Festival's audience development and outreach programs include the Big Tent, featuring street performing programming for kids, and Comedy Cares, which offers performances in hospitals and seniors' lodges.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support the Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival, which provides local residents with access to diverse artistic performances," said Minister Moore.
"Our Government recognizes the importance of supporting community events," said Mr. Warkentin. "The Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival brings local residents together and helps build a stronger community."
"Canadian Heritage funding has made it possible for the Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival to entertain our region's families for 10 years," said Wayne Ayling, Festival Co-Chair. "Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada, our festival is a must-see event every summer for thousands of Peace Country residents and their guests."
The tradition of street performing festivals in Grande Prairie goes back to 2001, when members of the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie and representatives of the Downtown Business Association created a festival to provide community programming. In 2008, the Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival Association was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization to coordinate the event.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $7,000 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
