BANFF, Alberta, August 12, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Blake Richards, Member of Parliament (Wild Rose), today announced funding for The Banff Centre. With this funding, the government is fulfilling a commitment made in Canada's Economic Action Plan.
"We are proud to support the Banff Centre, which has provided high-quality training to future generations of artists for more than 70 years," said Minister Moore. "The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of investing in programs for young artists and creators, and that is why we recently increased our support for arts training."
"Arts and culture provide not only opportunities for the enrichment of Canadian lives, but also opportunities for jobs," said Mr. Richards. "I am very pleased that our Government continues to invest in The Banff Centre, which provides both cultural and employment opportunities for Canadians."
The Banff Centre is an educational and cultural institution, as well as an international conference centre, overlooking the town of Banff. The funding announced today amounts to $535,000.
"The arts play a vital role in the Canadian economy, employing over 600,000 Canadians," said Mary E. Hofstetter, President and CEO of The Banff Centre. "This investment in arts training at The Banff Centre is an investment in Canada's future. It not only generates economic benefit, it sustains and builds communities across Canada."
Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $20 million for professional arts training in the arts sector, which includes additional funding of $7 million in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, as well as the renewal of $6 million in funding that was coming to an end in 2010-2011. The budget is thus rising from $17.1 million to $24.1 million per year, an increase of 41 percent. The increased funding will be provided on an ongoing basis.
The Canada Arts Training Fund (formerly the National Arts Training Contribution Program), offers funding to professional arts-training institutions. Through the success they achieve, artists trained in schools supported by the Fund provide outstanding leadership in the arts and in their communities.
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
