Harper Government Invests in Atlantic Presenters Association

CHARLOTTETOWN, March 28, 2013 - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament (Egmont), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced new investments from the Government of Canada in the Atlantic Presenters Association (APA).

“I am proud that our Government continues to demonstrate its support to arts and cultural organizations that are generators of growth and employment in our communities,” said Minister Shea. “With this funding, the Atlantic Presenters Association will be able to provide high-quality cultural experiences to residents and visitors for the next two years.”

The APA represents 91 presenters of festivals and performing arts series in Atlantic Canada. Its goal is to enhance and promote touring and quality live presentation of professional artists, as well as to facilitate an exchange of best practices and ideas among its members. This funding will support the APA’s services and activities in 2013–2014 and 2014–2015, as well as its project Atlantic Moves, a dance initiative.

“Our Government is pleased to invest in arts and cultural organizations such as the Atlantic Presenters Association, which contributes to the economic growth of communities across the Atlantic Provinces,” said Minister Moore. “Recognized as a leader in the presentation of performing arts, the APA will help make our communities more prosperous and dynamic.”

“The funding of the Government of Canada enables the Atlantic Presenters Association to support performing arts and festival presenters in the four Atlantic provinces,” said Laurie Gillis, Executive Director. “Ultimately, this investment has an impact in the lives of Canadians in their own communities, from urban centres like Fredericton to rural communities like Happy Valley–Goose Bay.”

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $320,000 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

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