Harper Government Invests in Arts and Culture in Calgary

CALGARY, May 13, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, accompanied by Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), today announced support for 23 arts and culture organizations in Calgary. Minister Moore made the announcement at the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts alongside members of Calgary's arts and cultural community.

"Our Government is committed to supporting organizations that contribute to the diverse and vibrant cultural life in Canada," said Minister Moore. "Each and every one of these organizations plays an important role in uniting our country and creating a thriving arts scene here in Calgary for all to enjoy."

Funding will support a variety of arts and culture organizations that will create jobs, increase tourism, and strengthen the local economy. Organizations receiving support include the Sled Island Arts Fellowship, the Calgary Centre for the Performing Arts, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation, One Yellow Rabbit Theatre, the Calgary International Children's Festival Society, the Calgary Foundation, and Theatre Junction GRAND.

"By investing in projects such as these, our Government is demonstrating its continued support for arts and cultural institutions in communities across the province," said Ms. Crockatt. "These investments will ensure that Albertans have access to top-notch cultural activities right in their own backyard."

"EPCOR CENTRE is extremely grateful to receive this support which invests in the presentation of cultural and artistic experiences of the highest quality, including music and visual and media arts programming," said Johann Zietsman, President and Chief Executive Officer, EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts. "As one of Canada's leading arts centres, our vision is to engage and inspire community through the power of art."

"Sled Island is very appreciative of the support provided by the Government of Canada that will allow us to secure our position as one of the leading independent music and arts festivals in the country by providing quality programming, including a hundred local artists alongside many international talents," said Maud Salvi, Executive Director, Sled Island Music and Arts Festival. "Community is at the core of our festival, and we are honoured to be receiving this funding.

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $1,709,840 through the following programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, and the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund.

For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.

BACKGROUNDER

Today's announcement includes the following projects:

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage