Team Canada selection process for the V Games of La Francophonie begins
OTTAWA, September 30, 2004 -- Minister of Canada Economic Development and Minister Responsible for La Francophonie Jacques Saada, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla, today launched the Cultural Competitions for the V Games of La Francophonie.The goal of these Competitions is to select the artists who will represent Team Canada at the next Games of La Francophonie, to be held in Niamey, capital of Niger, from December 7 to 17, 2005. The artists, aged 35 years or younger, will participate in competitions in different disciplines, including song, storytelling, traditionally inspired dance, literature (short story), painting, photography, and sculpture.
"The cultural events at the Games of La Francophonie are an opportunity for our artists to help raise the profile of our culture on the world stage," said Minister Saada. "During a visit to Africa earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting with the President of Niger, His Excellency Tanjia Mamadou, and talking about these Games being held in his country. He joins me in offering best wishes to all those who will take part in the Cultural Competitions and serve as ambassadors of Canada to Niger."
"The Games of La Francophonie give young Canadians the chance to meet other artists from around the world and provide them with the chance to enjoy a truly unique experience," said Minister Frulla. "I encourage every person with a talent and a passion for art to participate in the Competitions. It could be the beginning of a successful national and international career."
The Games of La Francophonie is the only major international event that includes both sport and artistic components. Participants come from the 56 states and governments that make up La Francophonie.
Three teams from our country will take part in the 2005 Games of La Francophonie: Team Canada, Team Canada-Quebec, and Team Canada-New Brunswick. Artists have until November 30, 2004 to submit their applications for the Cultural Competitions. For more information, please visit the Department of Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca.
The Department of Canadian Heritage has retained the services of Cobalt Events, a private firm, through an open bidding process, to coordinate the organization of the Cultural Competitions and provide logistical support for Team Canada's cultural delegation for the V Games of La Francophonie.
Information:
Donald Boulanger
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Ève Cardinal
Media Relations
(613) 789-4133
eve@nbac.com
Jean-François Deltorchio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
for Canada Economic Development and
Minister Responsible for La Francophonie
(613) 371-8174
BACKGROUNDER
The V Games of La Francophonie: Rendez-Vous in Niamey in 2005!
The next Games of La Francophonie will be held in Niamey, Niger, from December 7 to 17, 2005. This will be the fifth edition of these Games, which were previously held in Morocco (1989), France (1994), Madagascar (1997), and Canada (2001).
The Games of La Francophonie have enabled thousands of artists from the 56 states and governments that make up La Francophonie to showcase their talent on the world stage. During the last Games, held in 2001, artists from Team Canada won a record-setting four medals out of a possible total of eight.
Team Canada organizers are currently recruiting professional artists for the delegation that will take part in the next Games of La Francophonie. The Cultural Competitions allow the organizers to form this delegation. The winners of the Competitions will receive funding to prepare their final submission and participate in the Games in December 2005.
Cultural Competitions: Who Is Eligible?
Candidates must be professional artists, Canadian citizens, and 35 years old or younger* (born in December 1970 or after). Eligible candidates can register for the Competitions by choosing from among the following seven disciplines:
¤ Song
¤ Storytelling
¤ Traditionally inspired dance
¤ Literature (short story)
¤ Painting
¤ Photography
¤ Sculpture
* For the Song competition, the age limit applies to the singers, but not to the musicians who accompany them. As well, in the category of traditionally inspired dance, the age limit only applies to the dancers.
Selection Panels
All applications will be evaluated by selection panels made up of professionals from each discipline. The applications will first be judged by Canadian panels. The shortlisted applications will then be reviewed and approved by a panel from the Comité international des Jeux de la Francophonie (CIJF), made up of members from several countries. There will be one representative for each discipline. The panels' decisions will be announced in June 2005.
How to Apply
Interested artists can apply by completing the appropriate form and sending it with four (4) copies of all required supporting documents and information, before November 30, 2004, to the following address:
Cobalt Events*
160 George Street, Suite 200
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 9M2
Telephone: (613) 755-2550
Fax: (613) 789-3562
infojeux@ecobalt.ca
For further information, candidates can visit the Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca
* The Department of Canadian Heritage has retained the services of Cobalt Events, a private firm, through an open bidding process, to coordinate the organization of the Cultural Competitions and provide logistical support for Team Canada's cultural delegation for the V Games of La Francophonie.
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