Funding to support recognition on the World Stage
July 2, 2014 Judique, NS Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency – Cape Breton
Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Peter MacKay, visited Judique today to make an announcement on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Minister MacKay shared with the guests at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre that the Celtic Colours Festival Society will receive $1,050,000 in funding from the Government of Canada to assist with the organization, staging and marketing of the annual international festival over the next three years.
Beginning on October 10, 2014, the Festival is marking its 18th year as a world-renowned celebration of Cape Breton Island’s Celtic music and culture. The Festival has become one of Nova Scotia’s premiere tourism events, attracting a variety of musicians and tens of thousands of visitors from around the world.
Quick Facts:
- The Celtic Colours Festival Society is a not-for-profit organization registered under the Societies Act of Nova Scotia since 1997.
- For nine days in October, Cape Breton Island is home to a unique celebration of music and culture as the Celtic Colours International Festival presents dozens of concerts, an extensive line-up of community events, and a nightly Festival Club.
- Cape Breton Island is home to the only living Gaelic culture in North America. The Festival celebrates our living Celtic heritage by inviting Celtic artists around the world to share their music and culture.
- Festival attendees spent $8.3 million in Cape Breton in 2013.
Quotes:
“Our Government recognizes the important role that a sustainable tourism industry plays in building strong, healthy communities today and well into the future. Our support for the Celtic Colours International Festival will help showcase the roots and diversity of the Nova Scotia's Celtic culture and generate economic benefits across Cape Breton, as communities welcome visitors and artists from around the world.”
- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“With the support of industry professionals, volunteers, sponsors and our government partners, Celtic Colours has grown to become one of Canada’s premiere music events and a billboard for our region’s cultural legacy. The festival extends Cape Breton’s tourism season well into the autumn and introduces local musicians and artists to visitors from more than two dozen countries.”
- Joella Foulds, Executive Director, Celtic Colours International Festival
Associated Link:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613 941-7241
D.A. Landry
Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency – Cape Breton
902 564-3617
Joella Foulds
Executive Director
Celtic Colours International Festival
902 562-6700
