Harper Government Supports the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival
EDEN MILLS, Ontario, August 20, 2012 - An investment in arts and culture in Eden Mills will increase tourism, create jobs, and boost the local economy. Funding for the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival was announced today by the Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament (Wellington–Halton Hills), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
This investment will support the 24th and 25th editions of the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival in 2012 and 2013. The festival, which takes place on the banks of the Eramosa River in the village of Eden Mills, will present more than 60 published and unpublished authors and storytellers at five venues, including outdoor sites throughout the village of Eden Mills, the Science Complex of the University of Guelph, the Eden Mills Community Hall, and Camp Edgewood.
“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.”
“Once again, audiences from near and far will come to the annual Eden Mills Writers’ Festival to enjoy a unique mix of great literature,” said Mr. Chong. “Thanks to our Government’s support for arts and culture, this festival will attract exceptional artists and provide visitors with a greater cultural experience.”
“Although it takes place on the banks of the Eramosa River in a tiny village in the heart of Ontario’s countryside, the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival reaches out to many local communities,” said Susan Ratcliffe, Chair of the Board of Directors, Eden Mills Writers’ Festival. “Thanks to the Government of Canada’s funding, the festival will be able to extend its reach to create partnerships with libraries, run electronic workshops for aspiring writers, encourage attendance of new visitors, and organize gatherings for local book clubs.”
The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $16,000 ($8,000 in 2012–2013 and $8,000 in 2013–2014) 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.
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