WHITEHORSE, March 16, 2011 - Arts, culture, and heritage activities are thriving in Yukon, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Funding for nine projects in Yukon was announced today by the Honourable Daniel Lang, Senator (Yukon), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. Senator Lang made the announcement at the Yukon Arts Centre alongside leaders of Yukon's arts community.
This funding will support a range of projects aimed at strengthening communities, profiling local artists, and creating cultural experiences. Projects that benefit from today's announcement include the Dawson City Music Festival and Concert Series, the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous festival in Whitehorse, and the St. Elias Convention Centre improvement project in Haines Junction.
"Arts and heritage bring communities together and strengthen Canadians' pride in their country," said Minister Moore. "Our Government believes that investing in arts, culture, and heritage is central to the economic health of communities throughout Yukon."
"Our Government is committed to strengthening Yukon communities, both culturally and economically," said Senator Lang. "We are proud to invest in these projects, which encourage our creative spirit."
"Junction Arts and Music Society thanks the Government of Canada for its contribution to improve our community's cultural venue," said Yolande Cherepak, Executive Director. "The acquisition of a new sound system, as well as improvements to the St. Elias Convention Centre Grand Hall acoustics, will enable us to continue providing high-quality performing arts events in our community on a year-round basis."
The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $370,515 through three programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, and the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.
Codie Taylor
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
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
