Culture Days in Vermilion Receives Federal Funding

News Release

Government of Canada supports the Vermilion Allied Arts Council

July 16, 2015 – Vermilion, Alberta – Department of Canadian Heritage

Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament (Vegreville–Wainwright), today announced funding of $10,600 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for the Vermilion Allied Arts Council. Mr. Benoit made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

This funding will enable the Vermilion Allied Arts Council to present the 2^nd edition of Culture Days. The festival will feature musical entertainment, dance performances and demonstrations from more than 330 local artists.

Quick Facts

Culture Days is expected to attract more than 2,500 visitors and relies on the support of 125 volunteers to organize, plan and deliver the festival. This year’s Culture Days is taking place from September 25 to 27.
The Vermilion Allied Arts Council is a non-profit organization that encourages and supports visual, literary and performing arts in Vermilion and surrounding communities through the presentation of professional performances.
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

Quotes

“Our Government is pleased to support the Culture Days festival, which brings the community together and is a wonderful event for local residents and visitors to Vermilion. The Vermilion Allied Arts Council plays an important role in the community and works tirelessly to create a thriving arts scene for all to enjoy here in Vermilion and in the county of Vermilion River.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Now in its second year, the Culture Days festival provides opportunities for local artists and artisans to showcase their talents and provides rich entertainment and hands-on activities. Thanks to the many volunteers who dedicate countless hours planning and organizing, I know that this year’s Culture Days festival will be a success.”

—Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament (Vegreville–Wainwright)

“The Vermilion Allied Arts Council is very grateful for the support from the Government of Canada to help us with our celebration of Culture Days. Having this funding means we can host a three-day event that will profile the arts, our heritage and multiculturalism. Venues will include a variety of hands-on activities with local artisans and quality performances that display the amazing talent and proficiency of the participants. Our community is waiting in the wings, ready to participate in all the activities and make this a more amazing three-day event than 2014!”

—Keri Pullyblank, Director, Vermilion Allied Arts Council