NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, May 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Investments in arts and culture in the Niagara region are helping boost the economy and create jobs and growth. Support for the Canadian Chamber Academy's Music Niagara festival was announced today by the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Funding will support the Canadian Chamber Academy in presenting its four-week Music Niagara summer festival in 2012 and 2013. This year's festival will take place from July 13 to August 11 and will feature high-calibre Canadian and international artists in a range of music genres, including classical, jazz, choral and cabaret. The concerts will be presented at a number of indoor and outdoor venues in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Music Niagara's international reputation for excellent programming attracts an average of more than 4,000 local patrons and international visitors every year, fostering economic growth in the region.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in important arts festivals like Music Niagara," said Minister Moore. "By supporting the activities of the Canadian Chamber Academy, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy, promote tourism, and support our arts, culture, and heritage."
"I am proud of our Government's commitment to supporting the arts in Niagara," said Minister Nicholson. "With this investment, we will be able to showcase the talents of our local musicians and their fellow Canadian artists in scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake."
"This substantial investment in our festival is deeply appreciated and will help us to maintain our high standard of performance," said Atis Bankas, Artistic Director of Music Niagara. "It's wonderful to see that the Government of Canada recognizes the contribution that Music Niagara makes on the artistic front and as a vital partner in the tourism economy of Niagara."
The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $40,000 ($20,000 in 2012-2013 and $20,000 in 2013-2014) 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.
(media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
Jillian Lum
Manager, Communications Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416-973-2050
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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