ST-ZÉNON-DE-PIOPOLIS, Quebec, July 17, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable), today announced funding for the Comité culturel de Piopolis for its Saint-Zénon-de-Piopolis Festival.
The organization will present the 12th edition of this festival, where music lovers will have the chance to attend six musical performances in a range of genres from classical and folk to blues and world music. These shows will be presented once a month in the unique and charming setting of the church of Saint-Zénon-de-Piopolis.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in the Saint-Zénon-de-Piopolis Festival, an important event that showcases the arts in the Eastern Townships," said Minister Moore. "In addition to promoting the talents of artists from the area and beyond, it also contributes to the region's economy. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this festival possible."
"Thanks to a tireless team, residents of Saint-Zénon-de-Piopolis and visitors have access to an impressive variety of professional artistic, cultural, and musical activities year after year. The community will also have the opportunity to share in a unique cultural exchange," said Minister Paradis.
"When the Saint-Zénon-de-Piopolis Festival was created in 1999, the Comité culturel de Piopolis assumed the mandate of offering high-quality concerts at affordable prices for everyone in the region. This recurring funding from Canadian Heritage is vital to this mandate and is a major source of motivation for our team of volunteers," said Charlotte Lavoie, President of the Comité culturel de Piopolis.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $6,000 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
