The Minister of Canadian Heritage Announces Financial Support for the Fondation pour L'avancement du théâtre Francophone au Canada
OTTAWA, June 16, 2000 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage, Sheila Copps, today announced financial support of $225,000 to the Fondation pour l'avancement du théâtre francophone au Canada."Theater has always been a powerful tool used by Francophone communities for identifying with French culture, particularly in regions outside of Quebec. The funding announced today demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting the development and growth of Francophone communities and to promoting the French culture in all regions of the country," said Minister Copps.
The funds forwarded to the Fondation pour l'avancement du théâtre francophone will be used to create a capitalization fund, the interest from which will make it possible to finance innovative projects.
The Fondation is the result of the work of Francophone theatres in Canada which bring together 13 professional theater companies working in Francophone communities outside of Quebec. The Fondation's objective is to collect $ 1.5 million over the next five years from the private sector. A board of governors chaired by Antonine Maillet will ensure the Fondation's management.
This project is funded through the Official Languages Support Programs. Funding was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
Information:
Krista Pawley
Press secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(8l9) 997-7788
BACKGROUNDER
The Fondation pour l'avancement du théâtre francophone au Canada is an initiative of the Association des théâtres francophones du Canada (ATFC). The ATFC brings together13 professional theatre companies working in New Brunswick, Ontario, the three Prairie provinces and British Columbia.
Created in 1999, the purpose of the Fondation pour l'avancement du théâtre francophone au Canada is to establish an additional funding mechanism capable of supporting theatre productions outside Quebec.
The funding provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage will enable the Fondation to use a professional resource, which will develop an effective fundraising strategy. The amounts collected from Canadian donors (patrons, companies, other Canadian foundations and government agencies) will be used to create a capitalization fund, the interest of which will be used to finance innovative projects. The objective is to collect $ 1.5 million over five years from the private sector. The programs of the Fondation will include:
-- Individual training and development bursaries;
-- Help in creating and broadcasting shows;
-- The financing of special initiatives such as the improvement of equipment and the creation of exchange networks.
A board of governors composed of eminent people from all regions of Canada and chaired by Antonine Maillet will ensure the Fondation's management.
The members of the board of governors are : Mr. Alain Landry (Ontario), Mr. G. Forest (Manitoba), Mr. R. Cormier (New-Brunswick), Mr. F. Doucet (Québec), Mr. D. Lamarre (Québec), Mr. G. Lepage (New-Brunswick), Mr. J. Monet (Ontario) and Ms. C. Tardiff (Alberta).
The creation of the Fondation pour l'avancement du théâtre francophone au Canada is the end result of several years of work by the Association des théâtres francophones du Canada to provide itself with a financing mechanism that is independent and complementary to public and private financing sources.
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