Harper Government Encourages the Development of Artistic Talents in Francophone Minority Communities

OTTAWA, Sept. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Emerging artists from the Canadian Francophonie will be able to gain skills and experience, thanks to the support of the Government of Canada. The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Réseau national des Galas de la chanson (RNGC).

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."

The RNGC has a mandate to promote the development of new French-language song talents from minority communities in 10 provinces and territories. By focusing on training workshops and partnerships with interregional events such as Chant'Ouest, the Ontario Pop gala, or the Gala de la chanson de Caraquet, the RNGC assists promising artists with the aim of preparing them for a career in this field. Six winners from the interregional galas will be able to participate in the Festival international de la chanson de Granby, a high-profile event that offers considerable visibility to these Francophone artists.

The Government of Canada has provided $130,000 to the RNGC through the Development of Official-Language Communities Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program is designed to foster the vitality of Canada's French and English-speaking minority communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage