Harper Government Supports Arts and Culture in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, March 22, 2013 - The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Regional Minister for Manitoba, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced that a variety of Winnipeg arts organizations are benefiting from a boost to their fundraising efforts from the Government of Canada.

Ten local arts organizations are receiving support through three foundations: the Winnipeg Foundation, the Prairie Theatre Exchange Foundation Trust, and the Manitoba Theatre Centre Foundation.

“Our Government is proud to support many of Winnipeg’s reputable arts organizations,” said Minister Toews. “By matching one dollar for every dollar donated by the private sector, we are helping ensure the long-term financial stability of these arts organizations.”

“We recognize that arts and culture are important generators of economic growth, jobs, and wealth in our communities,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government is pleased to contribute to the success of Winnipeg’s thriving arts and culture scene.”

“At the Winnipeg Foundation, we see every day the impact these and so many other charitable organizations have on our community,” said LuAnn Lovlin, Director of Communications, the Winnipeg Foundation. “The Government’s support means a great deal to these organizations, and we know that today’s investment means a brighter, more beautiful, and inspiring future—not just for the arts community, but for us all.”

The Government of Canada is providing total funding of $1,015,150 to the three foundations to invest and manage on behalf of 10 local arts organizations. The funding is provided through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations. This year, the Government of Canada is matching a dollar for every dollar donated by the private sector.

For more information, consult 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

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Grants to the Winnipeg Foundation:

Jazz Winnipeg

$1,621

Manitoba Chamber Orchestra

$109,151

Manitoba Opera Association

$4,023

Plug-In

$21,475

Prairie Theatre Exchange

$39,656

Royal Winnipeg Ballet

$171,336

Sarasvati Dramatic Theatre Productions and Repertory

$1,570

Winnipeg Centennial Folk Festival

$9,445

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

$452,803

Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

$190,077

TOTAL FOR THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION

$1,001,157

Grant to the Prairie Theatre Exchange Foundation Trust:

Prairie Theatre Exchange

$13,893

Grant to the Manitoba Theatre Centre Foundation:

Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

$100

GRAND TOTAL – $1,015,150