Harper Government Invests in Culture in Nova Scotia
HALIFAX, January 18, 2013 - New investments in arts and culture in Nova Scotia will boost tourism, generate employment and strengthen the local economy, while providing residents and visitors with rich cultural experiences. Support for nine projects was announced today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Central Nova), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Proposed programming includes a variety of activities, such as music, comedy, dance, film and media arts events. Organizations receiving funding include the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative, the Chester Theatre Council Society, the Jazz East Rising Association, and the Osprey Arts Centre Association.
“Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians,” said Minister Moore. “On the road to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, let us celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, strong, and free country we are today.”
“Our Government recognizes the importance of arts and culture to communities across Canada,” said Minister MacKay. “With this financial support, the recipients will continue to play a key role in boosting the local economy and attracting tourists, as they promote and showcase Nova Scotia’s artists and culture.”
“The Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival, now celebrating its seventh year, provides a unique venue for filmmakers and media artists to share their work with the public,” said Martha Cooley, Interim Executive Director of the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative. “Through screenings, panels, artist-talks and workshops, HIFF engages audiences with independent and experimental work that is not presented elsewhere in the region. This would not be possible without the support received from the Government of Canada.”
The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $293,500 to nine projects 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 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
Gilles Thériault
Director of Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980
Gilles.theriault@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
BACKGROUNDER
| Canada Arts Presentation Fund This 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. | ||||
| City | Organization | Project | Fiscal years | Amount |
| Wolfville | Acadia University | Acadia Performing Arts Series | 2013–2014 2014–2015 | $4,500 $4,500 |
| Halifax | Atlantic Buskers Festival Society | Halifax International Busker Festival | 2013–2014 | $23,000 |
| Halifax | Atlantic Filmmakers Co-operative | Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival | 2013–2014 2014–2015 | $7,000 $7,000 |
| Chester | Chester Theatre Council Society | Chester Playhouse Presentation Series | 2013–2014 2014–2015 | $10,500 $10,500 |
| Halifax | Halifax Comedy Festival Society | Halifax Comedy Fest | 2013–2014 | $17,500 |
| Halifax | Jazz East Rising Association | Halifax Jazz Festival, JazzLabs, JazzEast Concerts, and Creative Music Workshop | 2013–2014 | $118,500 |
| Halifax | Kinetic Studio Society | Kinetic Studio Series | 2013–2014 | $9,000 |
| Shelburne | Osprey Arts Centre Association | Osprey Arts Centre 2013–2014 seasons | 2013–2014 2014–2015 | $10,000 $10,000 |
| Halifax | Scotia Chamber Players | Scotia Festival of Music | 2013–2014 | $61,500 |
|
| TOTAL: | $293,500 | ||