SASKATOON, April 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Festivals in Saskatchewan will boost tourism and promote local culture, thanks in part to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister (Western Economic Diversification) and Member of Parliament (Blackstrap), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Funding will support the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Society's 2012-2014 programming, which includes an annual outdoor festival in Ness Creek that presents emerging and professional artists from across Canada. A four-day music camp is held before the August festival, and additional performances and workshops are offered throughout the year.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations such as the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Society," said Minister Moore. "With this investment, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support arts, culture, and heritage."
"Giving Saskatchewan's residents and visitors the opportunity to experience and enjoy bluegrass and old-time music enhances the cultural and artistic life of our province," said Minister Yelich. "This will boost tourism and have social and economic benefits for our communities and for all Canadians."
"The connections and engagement resulting from making the presentation of music more than just a concert on the festival stage, one weekend a year, have become increasingly evident," said Jennifer Bork, Director, Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Society. "With support from funders like the Government of Canada, we have developed year-round programming that reaches all corners of our province."
Created in 2006, the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Society is a specialized presenter whose mandate is to promote, encourage, foster and cultivate the preservation, appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, accessibility, support and performance of traditional instrumental and vocal music in Saskatchewan.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $22,000 ($11,000 per year for 2012-2013 and 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
Francine D. Lefebvre
Director
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-983-4367
Cell: 204-899-8611
[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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