HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N-L, April 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Young people in Labrador will have the opportunity to create and appreciate art, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, on behalf of James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The funding will support the 37th and 38th editions of the Labrador Creative Arts Festival in 2012 and 2013. Each November, this festival brings Labrador youth together to enjoy performances by emerging and professional artists. Artists from Newfoundland and Labrador and other Canadian provinces will visit students at schools in coastal Labrador.
"For close to 40 years, the Labrador Creative Arts Festival has given students and professional artists the opportunity to share their love of art," said Minister Penashue. "I commend the group for its dedication in presenting an artistic and learning experience that contributes to the cultural strength of Labrador communities."
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations like the Labrador Creative Arts Festival," said Minister Moore. "By supporting this arts festival for youth, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."
"The Canada Arts Presentation Fund has benefited the Labrador Creative Arts Festival for many years, allowing us to bring professional artists to enhance the longest-running children's festival in Canada," said Martha MacDonald, Festival Chair. "For 36 years we have given the children of Labrador a place to make their voices heard and links to some of Canada's finest artists, to show them the possibilities that exist for people in all parts of the country, including youth in the north. The support of the Government of Canada is essential in keeping alive the artistic aspirations of Labradorians."
The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $20,000 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
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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