Harper Government Invests in Culture in Perth County
PERTH COUNTY, Ontario, August 16, 2012 - Investments in culture and heritage in Perth County will stimulate the economy by creating jobs, increasing tourism, and providing opportunities for local artists. Funding for Perth Arts Connect and the Stratford Tourism Alliance was announced today by Gary Schellenberger, Member of Parliament (Perth–Wellington), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The Stratford Tourism Alliance is a local non-profit organization that celebrates the region’s culture and rich agricultural and farming heritage. The group will present the 5th edition of the Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival from September 21 to 23, 2012. Activities include musical performances, storytelling, and heritage exhibitions and demonstrations.
Perth Arts Connect is a local non-profit organization that promotes music, dance, and arts in the community. From September 28 to 30, 2012, this group will present the 3rd edition of Culture Days: A Celebration of Culture in Stratford and Perth County. Activities include a variety of visual arts workshops and presentations, exhibits, and theatre and dance performances, as well as local historical heritage presentations and tours.
“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.”
“The Government of Canada’s investments in these festivals are important for the heritage and culture of our community,” said Mr. Schellenberger. “Whether we are celebrating our local food heritage or raising the awareness and participation of Canadians in the arts and culture life of our community, we are providing opportunities for local artists and generating economic growth.”
“The Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival, now in its fifth year, celebrates our culinary roots with Stratford Chefs School graduates, entertaining talks and tastings, and the engagement of local producers, farmers, and the community from Stratford and Perth County,” said Eugene Zakreski, Executive Director, Stratford Tourism Alliance. “Our volunteers have created a festival that is a proud celebration of the culinary and creative heritage of hundreds, providing visitors with a taste of our character, culture, and cuisine.”
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $29,200 to the Stratford Tourism Alliance and $16,300 to Perth Arts Connect through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian 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.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Jillian Lum
Manager of Regional Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416-973-2050
Jillian.lum@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca