Harper Government Invests in Dryden Entertainment Series

DRYDEN, Ontario, February 20, 2013 - Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament (Kenora), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced new investments from the Government of Canada for the Dryden Entertainment Series to support arts and culture in the area.

The Dryden Entertainment Series (DES) presents a series of concerts each year that provide local audiences with access to emerging and established Canadian artists. The investments announced today will support upgrades to the Dryden Performing Arts Centre’s sound and lighting equipment, provide training to staff and volunteers in equipment operation, and support the Dryden Entertainment Series’ 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 seasons.

“The Dryden Entertainment Series provides Canadians with a variety of rich professional artistic experiences,” said Mr. Rickford. “This investment will support the cultural vitality of our community and strengthen our economy.”

“Our Government is proud to invest in the Dryden Entertainment Series, a professional performing arts series that showcases strong Canadian artistic talent,” said Minister Moore. “By supporting local cultural and infrastructure projects like these, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our communities and support our culture and heritage.”

“The Dryden Entertainment Series is very appreciative of the funding received from the Government of Canada, which supports us in providing a high-calibre series featuring both emerging and established Canadian artists,” said Wendy Wiedenhoeft, Chair, Dryden Entertainment Series. “With this funding, DES will also be able to purchase new sound equipment and upgrade lighting equipment for the Dryden Performing Arts Centre, which will assist DES as well as other user groups in our community in providing top-quality artistic programming. All of the Canadian Heritage funding is instrumental in promoting and supporting arts and culture in our northwestern Ontario community.”


The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $58,000 through two programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: $38,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and $20,000 ($10,000 per year for 2013–2014 and 2014–2015) through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays. The Canada Arts Presentation 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.

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