MONTRÉAL, June 9, 2011 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, celebrated the opening of the 23rd edition of the FrancoFolies de Montréal by reaffirming the Government of Canada's commitment to this event and the funding that has been provided.
"The FrancoFolies de Montréal is a first-rate event for fans of French-language music, both in Quebec and throughout the world," said Minister Moore. "This festival is unique in the Francophone world, in terms of both the quality and variety of the shows it offers. FrancoFolies has helped make Montréal an international hub of French-language music, which is why our Government is a long-standing partner in this summer event."
From June 9 to 18, the FrancoFolies will take over the Place des festivalsand turn it into the setting for gatherings and exchanges among nearly 1000 artists from a dozen countries and close to one million festival-goers who share a love for the French-language and music.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $350,000 (announced July 2, 2010) for the 2010 and 2011 editions of the FrancoFolies de Montréal-$175,000 for each year. Funding was provided through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which 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.
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritag
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
