TORONTO, May 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Paul Calandra, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament (Oak Ridges-Markham), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for Culture Days, a national celebration of arts and culture that takes place every year in September.
This funding is provided to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada in support of a new Culture Days online initiative. As a result of the project, up to 2,000 arts and heritage organizations will gain access to modern tools and resources in digital marketing, as well as training in fostering successful sponsorships.
"Our investment in this new Culture Days initiative, spearheaded by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, will contribute to the success of many arts and heritage organizations," said Mr. Calandra. "It will also help strengthen and celebrate the connections between Canadians and the arts and heritage in their communities."
Culture Days, an annual three-day event, is a coast-to-coast-to-coast volunteer initiative that aims to increase the engagement of Canadians in the cultural life of their communities. The National Steering Committee, together with provincial committees, works at the grassroots level to present and coordinate free public activities throughout the country. Culture Days events in 2012 drew 1.6 million Canadians to 7,000 free activities in 850 cities and towns across the country. This year, Culture Days will take place from September 27 to 29.
"Our Government recognizes that arts and culture are important generators of economic growth, jobs and wealth in our communities," said Minister Moore. "We are proud to have contributed to the growing success of Culture Days and its initiatives since the first edition in 2010."
"On behalf of the legions of artists, organizations and volunteers across the country who have rallied around Culture Days, we are grateful for this support from the Government of Canada," said Antoni Cimolino, Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival and Chair of Culture Days National Executive Committee. "We are confident the resources and tools that will be developed will afford new opportunities for a wide array of arts and heritage organizations by strengthening their relationships with the private sector and the public during the annual Culture Days event and throughout the year."
The Government of Canada is providing funding of $1 million over two years to Culture Days through the Strategic Initiatives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund. The Strategic Initiatives component provides funding for projects supported by multiple partners and benefitting many organizations. These initiatives help arts and heritage organizations diversify their revenue streams and strengthen the efficiency of their management and business practices.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
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Sébastien Gariépy
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Media Relations
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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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