Harper Government Invests in Manitoba's Vibrant Arts and Cultural Scene

WINNIPEG, Jan. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Manitoba's vibrant arts and cultural scene will continue to thrive, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. Programming support for a total of 15 organizations was announced today by the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Regional Minister for Manitoba, accompanied by Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament (Winnipeg South Centre).

Funding will support a wide range of initiatives, including the Brandon Folk, Music and Art Festival, the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. The announcement was made in the presence of leaders in the arts and cultural community in Manitoba.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in important local initiatives like those announced today," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. "By supporting these activities, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support arts and culture."

"These organizations contribute to the quality of life and economic health of our province by giving Manitobans the opportunity to experience arts and culture through performances and festivals," said Minister Toews. "Today's investment will ensure that Manitoba's arts organizations are able to continue providing a variety of professional artistic experiences for all to enjoy."

"'Thanks in part to the funding announced today, the Winnipeg International Children's Festival can continue providing a diversity of world-standard performing arts and activities that are educational, entertaining, and accessible to all young people,"' said Neal Rempel, Executive Producer of the Winnipeg International Children's Festival. "As we enter our 30^th anniversary year, we are very pleased to receive support from Canadian Heritage."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $800,300 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.

BACKGROUNDER

Today's announcement includes the following projects:

• Brandon Folk, Music and Art Society Inc. (Brandon Folk, Music and Art Festival) $12,000
• Gas Station Arts Centre Inc. (Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Improv Festival)
  $50,000
• Jazz Winnipeg Inc. (TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival / Fall-Winter Program / Youth Outreach Program)
  $75,000
• Manitoba Arts Network Inc. (Presenter Support Organization, Rural and Northern Manitoba)
  $50,000
• Manitoba Theatre Centre (2012 Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival)
  $66,300
• Manitoba Theatre For Young People Inc. (Professional Arts Access for Canadian Youth) $68,000
• Minnedosa Performing Arts Committee Inc. (Expressions Concerts)
  $3,000
• Sarasvàti Dramatic Theatre Productions and Repertory Inc.
  (FemFest 2012: Staging Identity)
  $13,500
• Send & Receive: A Festival Of Sound, Inc. (v.14-Natural Sound)
  $16,500
• West End Cultural Centre Inc. (Building Bridges: Culture and Community)
  $65,000
• The Winnipeg Centennial Folk Festival Inc. (Winnipeg Folk Festival)
  $135,000
• Winnipeg International Children's Festival Inc. (Winnipeg International Children's Festival / Circus and Magic Partnership (C.A.M.P.) / Festival of Fools)
  $100,000
• Winnipeg International Writers Festival Inc. (THIN AIR)
  $53,000
• The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Inc.
  (2012 Indigenous Festival and 2013 New Music Festival)
  $75,000
• Virtuosi Concerts (MB) Inc. (Virtuosi Concerts and Skywalk Concerts and Lectures)
  $18,000

For more information (media only), please contact: 

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)