CAMPBELLFORD, ON, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament (Northumberland Quinte West), on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Westben Arts Festival Theatre's cultural activities in 2014 and 2015.
"The Westben Arts Festival Theatre brings an incredible range of cultural experiences and Canadian artists to this community," said Mr. Norlock. "I commend Westben for 15 years of dedication and success!"
This investment will support Westben's 2014 and 2015 programming, including the Concerts at the Barn festival showcasing Canadian and international musicians. The festival includes classical musical recitals, opera, Broadway, world music, and jazz, all performed on the stage of a beautiful barn with state-of-the-art acoustics. Master classes will also be provided during the festival. Other special audience and educational activities will occur year round.
"Our Government is proud to support organizations like the Westben Arts Festival Theatre that bring unique cultural experiences to their communities," said Minister Glover. "The theatre provides opportunities to celebrate our Canadian artists while contributing to the vitality of the region."
"Keeping an arts organization healthy and vital is no easy task, even as Westben approaches its 15th season," said Brian Finley, Artistic and Managing Director, Westben Arts Festival Theatre. "We are thrilled to acknowledge the Department of Canadian Heritage for being such a vital, ongoing partner in helping us bring an array of artists from across Canada together with our friendly community. Multi-year funding allows us to plan further into the future, helps us to attract the very best, and is also vital for the sustainability of the organization. Westben is grateful. Our community is grateful. Our visiting artists are grateful. Our country is a better place for it!"
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $100,000 ($50,000 in 2014-2015 and $50,000 in 2015-2016) 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.
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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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