REGINA, SK, April 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Investments in arts and culture in the Regina area are helping to boost the economy and create jobs and growth. Support for the Regina Folk Festival was announced today by Tom Lukiwski, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament (Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Funding will support the 2012 and the 2013 Regina Folk Festivals, scheduled to take place August 10-12, 2012, and August 9-11, 2013. This investment will also assist the organization in presenting its concert and workshop series throughout the year, including the new Satellite Concert Series in small rural municipalities surrounding Regina. Over 45,000 residents and visitors are expected to attend the Regina Folk Festival's activities annually.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in Saskatchewan's economic future," said Minister Moore. "By supporting the annual festival and concert series, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy, boost tourism, and support our arts, culture, and heritage."
"The Regina Folk Festival is a leader in our city's artistic and cultural community and one of the best festivals in Canada," said Mr. Lukiwski. "We are proud to bring some of the most outstanding artists from across Canada and the world to Saskatchewan for local audiences to enjoy."
"The Government of Canada's investment in our programming enables us to offer outstanding musical performances to Saskatchewan audiences," said Sandra Butel, Artistic Director of the Regina Folk Festival. "With the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage and other funders and partners, we will continue to contribute to the development of Canadian artists and cultural industries well into the future."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $210,000 ($105,000 per year for 2012-13 and 2013-14) 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.
The Regina Folk Festival offers accessible, high-quality music and arts events to the residents of Saskatchewan. It is one of Canada's most established music organizations and presents Western Canada's longest-running music festival.
(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.)
Share this article