VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 14, 2011) - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for nine arts, heritage, and official languages projects in Victoria and Nanaimo. Minister Moore made the announcement at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in the presence of community representatives.
The funding is intended to support a wide range of projects, including the Société Francophone de Victoria's Festival de la francophonie, the Port Theatre Society's Spotlight Series, and the British Columbia Black History Awareness Society's B.C. Black History and Cultural Events.
"Our Government supports creativity and community engagement through targeted investments in arts, culture and heritage," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these organizations, we ensure that both residents and visitors to Vancouver Island continue to enjoy high-calibre performances and diverse cultural experiences."
"The Société francophone de Victoria is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and thanks the Government of Canada for its support of our programming and activities," said Christian Francey, Executive Director of the Société. "In addition, for 2011–2012, the Société francophone de Victoria will benefit from additional funding to provide a Francophone component at major English-language events. This is a new approach to highlight and promote a minority official language."
The Government of Canada has provided funding totalling $630,012 under four programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, and the Cooperation with the Community sector of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program and the Appreciation and Rapprochement sector of the Enhancement of Official-Languages Program. For more information about the projects, please see the attached backgrounder.
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
BACKGROUNDER
Today's announcement comprises the following Vancouver Island projects:
Canada Arts Presentation Fund
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund 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.
The Port Theatre Society |
Project: Spotlight Series 2011–2012 and 2012–2011 |
$124,000 |
Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
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.
Société francophone de Victoria |
Project: Le Festival de la francophonie de Victoria 2011 |
$17,500 |
The Nanaimo African Heritage Society |
Project: 2011 Black History Month Celebrations |
$14,500 |
The Victoria Conservatory of Music |
Project: 2011 Pacific Baroque Festival |
$4,600 |
The British Columbia Black History Awareness Society |
Project: BC Black History and Cultural Events for 2011 |
$3,500 |
Cooperation with the Community Sector component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program
The Development of Official-Language Communities 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.
Société francophone de Victoria |
Project: 2010–2012 programming |
$214,037 |
Association des francophones de Nanaimo |
Project: 2010–2013 programming |
$185,875 |
Société francophone de Victoria |
Project: Festival de la francophonie 2011 |
$36,000 |
Appreciation and Rapprochement component of the Enhancement of Official-Languages Program
This program aims to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the benefits of linguistic duality.
Société francophone de Victoria |
Project: Partage francophone en milieu majoritairement anglophone, 2011–2012 |
$30,000 |
Contact Information: Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
Codie Taylor - Press Secretary
819-997-7788
or
Canadian Heritage
Media Relations
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
or
Canadian Heritage
Western Region
Perry Boldt
A/Regional Manager - Communications
604-666-5739