Government of Canada Invests in Osprey Arts Centre in Nova Scotia

SHELBURNE, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 24, 2011) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret's), today announced multi-year funding for the Osprey Arts Centre Association.

Funding will enable the Osprey Arts Centre to present a year-round series of performances by professional artists in Shelburne during 2011 and 2012. The music, theatre, and dance events will feature established and emerging artists from Nova Scotia and beyond. As well, the Centre will offer workshops, school presentations, lectures, a literary festival, gallery exhibitions, a film program, and summer arts camps for young people. Since its establishment in 2003, the Osprey Arts Centre has presented about 50 events annually.

"Our Government is pleased to invest in the Osprey Arts Centre, which presents an incredibly diverse range of artistic experiences to audiences in this community," said Minister Moore. "By enhancing the artistic vitality of the community, the Arts Centre also contributes to the region's economic success."

"The Osprey Arts Centre plays an important role in bringing diverse artistic experiences to the people of Shelburne County," said Mr. Keddy. "Our Government supports the arts in communities all across Canada because we recognize the importance of arts and culture to the well-being of Canadians."

"The funding provided by the Government of Canada will allow the Osprey Arts Centre to continue to present the highest quality performances, presentations, and exhibitions to a community that does not otherwise have access to arts programming," said Darcy Rhyno, General Manager of the Osprey Arts Centre.

The Government of Canada has provided a total of $20,000 for 2011 and 2012 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program 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.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)