Charlottetown Designated a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2011
CHARLOTTETOWN, November 12, 2010 - - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament (Egmont), and Clifford J. Lee, Mayor of Charlottetown, today announced that Charlottetown has been designated a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2011. The other two cities to receive this title are Vancouver, British Columbia, and Lévis, Quebec.
"With its rich heritage, its countless annual celebrations, its boundless creativity, and its legendary hospitality, Charlottetown has irresistible appeal," said Minister Moore. "Congratulations to this magnificent city, the cradle of Canadian Confederation, for winning the prestigious title of Cultural Capital of Canada."
"Charlottetown is a charming city known for its many celebrations and special activities," said Minister Shea. "The national recognition Charlottetown is enjoying today will help to stimulate the local economy and boost tourism in Charlottetown and all of Prince Edward Island for years to come."
"Charlottetown is known for its unique cultural diversity and community life," said Mayor Clifford Lee. "To receive this designation as a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2011 is truly an honour that will bring great pride to our community. This award will allow us to continue to build upon and strengthen our arts and culture community, while creating a greater awareness and appreciation though incredible events that display the talents of local artists. We recognize the role that arts and culture play not only in improving the quality of life in Charlottetown, but also on our economic, tourism and cultural prosperity."
The Cultural Capital of Canada designation is awarded for merit, on the basis of a candidate community's achievements that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to arts and culture. Funding is provided to support special projects that celebrate arts and culture, and amounts vary according to the size of the municipality. Charlottetown, with a population under 50,000, is eligible for funding of up to $500,000.
The City of Charlottetown will use the funding to launch a range of projects and activities, including an opening concert, urban planning workshops, studio and gallery tours, multicultural celebrations, a Nuit blanche focusing on young artists, a traditional Aboriginal garden, a Francophone and Acadian festival, short films and interactive productions about the city, a book fair, arts and crafts workshops, arts discovery days, an Aboriginal play, and a series of artworks about Confederation.
Codie Taylor
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
"With its rich heritage, its countless annual celebrations, its boundless creativity, and its legendary hospitality, Charlottetown has irresistible appeal," said Minister Moore. "Congratulations to this magnificent city, the cradle of Canadian Confederation, for winning the prestigious title of Cultural Capital of Canada."
"Charlottetown is a charming city known for its many celebrations and special activities," said Minister Shea. "The national recognition Charlottetown is enjoying today will help to stimulate the local economy and boost tourism in Charlottetown and all of Prince Edward Island for years to come."
"Charlottetown is known for its unique cultural diversity and community life," said Mayor Clifford Lee. "To receive this designation as a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2011 is truly an honour that will bring great pride to our community. This award will allow us to continue to build upon and strengthen our arts and culture community, while creating a greater awareness and appreciation though incredible events that display the talents of local artists. We recognize the role that arts and culture play not only in improving the quality of life in Charlottetown, but also on our economic, tourism and cultural prosperity."
The Cultural Capital of Canada designation is awarded for merit, on the basis of a candidate community's achievements that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to arts and culture. Funding is provided to support special projects that celebrate arts and culture, and amounts vary according to the size of the municipality. Charlottetown, with a population under 50,000, is eligible for funding of up to $500,000.
The City of Charlottetown will use the funding to launch a range of projects and activities, including an opening concert, urban planning workshops, studio and gallery tours, multicultural celebrations, a Nuit blanche focusing on young artists, a traditional Aboriginal garden, a Francophone and Acadian festival, short films and interactive productions about the city, a book fair, arts and crafts workshops, arts discovery days, an Aboriginal play, and a series of artworks about Confederation.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Codie Taylor
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca