Supporting Canadian Books

Government of Canada provides multi-year support for THIN AIR, the Winnipeg International Writers Festival


WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Sept. 19, 2014) - Canadian Heritage

The 2014 and 2015 editions of THIN AIR, the Winnipeg International Writers Festival, will receive $70,000 over two years ($35,000 in 2014-2015 and $35,000 in 2015-2016) from the Support for Organizations stream of the Canada Book Fund.

Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament (Winnipeg South Centre), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, during the festival's opening ceremony.

This funding will help Winnipeg welcome writers from across Canada and around the world for a week of readings, lectures, interviews, conversations, book launches and other events.

Quick Facts

• Each edition of THIN AIR will provide opportunities for about 45 Canadian writers to showcase their work to an audience of more than 8,000.

• Canadian Heritage also announced $106,000 for THIN AIR 2014 and THIN AIR 2015 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund in December.

• Through the $39.1-million Canada Book Fund, Canadian Heritage provides support to about 300 Canadian book publishers and industry organizations every year.

• Publishers in Canada generate around $2 billion in revenues each year and employ about 9,000 Canadians.

Quotes

"Our Government is pleased to support Canada's important book publishing sector, which provides Canadians with a great diversity of Canadian literature."

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

"The Winnipeg International Writers Festival plays an important role in strengthening the book publishing industry in Canada. THIN AIR 2014 continues until September 27, and I encourage all readers from Winnipeg to join in the fun."

-Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament (Winnipeg South Centre)

"THIN AIR is Winnipeg's week-long book club, and we're proud to be holding our 18th festival this year! This is thanks in no small part to the support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, whose grants enable us to do what we do: help Canadians of all ages discover great Canadian writers."

-Perry Grosshans, General Manager, Winnipeg International Writers Festival

Associated Links

Canada Book Fund

Winnipeg International Writers Festival - THIN AIR

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Contact Information:

Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
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