Harper Government Invests in Strathcona County’s Festival Place Professional Series

SHERWOOD PARK, Alberta, March 25, 2013 - The Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform) and Member of Parliament (Edmonton–Sherwood Park), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 editions of Strathcona County’s Festival Place Professional Series. This investment will enable Strathcona County to bring new and exciting musical performances to the region.

“The Festival Place Professional Series continues to showcase top-notch musical performances by emerging and established local, national, and international artists,” said Minister of State Uppal. “This investment will provide an opportunity for residents of Sherwood Park and surrounding communities to experience diverse and vibrant talent from all around the world.”

This funding will help Strathcona County present three separate music series in 2013–2014 and 2014–2015. Programming for the Main Stage, Café Series, and Patio Series will feature performances by artists from Canada, Chile, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additional activities will include a year-round jazz appreciation program to increase the community’s knowledge of jazz artists and styles.

“Our Governnment is pleased to support performing arts programs across the country like Strathcona County’s Festival Place Professional Series in Sherwood Park,” said Minister Moore. “By making these investments in local arts organizations, we are ensuring that residents have access to cultural activities right in their own backyard.”

“Support from the Government of Canada has helped us to grow from a local roadhouse to one of the most significant presenters in Western Canada, showcasing local, regional, national and international artists for an audience that continues to grow in its appetite for quality performing arts experiences,” said Gavin Farmer, Artistic Director and Facility Supervisor, Festival Place.

Festival Place, established in 1994, is Strathcona County’s premier multi-use centre for the arts. It is located in the heart of Centre in the Park, a new community development in Sherwood Park. Strathcona County owns and operates the 454-seat theatre, which offers up to 100 performances by local, national, and international artists each year. In addition to hosting a performing arts series, Strathcona County offers introductory courses in a range of disciplines including dance, music, and theatre.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $120,000 over two years 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
 
Anna Gravelle
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504
 
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca