BANFF, AB, Sept. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadians can once again look forward to Culture Days—a free, interactive celebration of arts and culture—thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Funding for this initiative was announced today by Blake Richards, Member of Parliament (Wild Rose), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
This additional funding will support the third annual Culture Days weekend from September 28 to 30, 2012. Culture Days is a collaborative coast-to-coast-to-coast volunteer initiative that aims to increase the awareness and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. The National Steering Committee, together with provincial committees, works at the grassroots level to present and coordinate free public activities throughout the country. The 2011 Culture Days events drew 1.2 million Canadians to 6,000 activities in all provinces and territories.
"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."
"Arts and culture are important generators of economic growth, jobs and wealth in our communities," said Mr. Richards. "We are pleased to support cultural activities that enrich the quality of life of Canadians, and we encourage all Canadians to take part in their local Culture Days celebrations."
"Since 2010, Culture Days has grown into a nationwide party celebrating this country's rich cultural variety," said Antoni Cimolino, General Director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and Chair of the Culture Days National Steering Committee. "With this support from the Government of Canada, this celebration will continue to grow and flourish, spreading the joy and magic the arts bring to millions of Canadians, and trumpeting our country's vast cultural diversity."
Under the Strategic Initiatives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund, the Government of Canada is providing an additional $385,000 to the Culture Days 2012 initiative, which is being spearheaded by The Banff Centre for the Arts. This brings the total federal government contribution to $1,785,000 since the inaugural Culture Days in 2010.
The Strategic Initiatives component provides funding for projects supported by multiple partners and benefitting many organizations. These initiatives help arts and heritage organizations diversify their revenue streams and strengthen the efficiency of their management and business practices.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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