Harper Government Invests in Culture in the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE, August 9, 2012 - Investments in arts, culture, and heritage are helping boost the economy and create jobs and growth in the Northwest Territories. Support for five projects was announced today by the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The funding supports a range of organizations and projects that share the goal of providing residents with rich cultural experiences. Groups and initiatives receiving support include the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, the Aurora Arts Society, the End of the Road Music Festival, the Association franco-culturelle de Yellowknife, and Folk on the Rocks.
“This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today.”
“Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in our economic future,” said Minister Toews. “By supporting these important projects, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy, boost tourism, and support our arts, culture, and heritage.”
“It is of the utmost importance that all levels of government support the arts in Canada,” said Penny Ruvinsky, Executive Director, Folk on the Rocks. “When all is said and done, the arts play a critical role in determining the success of a culture and a society. Arts hold their value above and beyond many other economic determinants.”
The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $148,690 through three programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, and the Museums Assistance Program. For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Francine D. Lefebvre
Director of Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204-983-4367
francine.lefebvre@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
BACKGROUNDER
| Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. | |||
| Inuvik | End of the Road Music | 2012 End of the Road Music Festival | $4,500 |
| Yellowknife | Aurora Arts Society | Arts Week | $7,400 |
|
| TOTAL: $11,900 | ||
| Canada Arts Presentation Fund The 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. | |||
| Yellowknife | Association franco-culturelle de Yellowknife | Scène Boréale | $30,000 |
| Yellowknife | Folk on the Rocks | 2012 and 2013 | $80,000 |
|
| TOTAL: $110,000 | ||
| Museums Assistance Program This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage. | |||
| Yellowknife | Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre | 2012 NWT Heritage Alliance Gathering | $26,790 |
|
| TOTAL: $26,790 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL, ALL PROGRAMS: | $148, 690 |