Canada's New Government Supports Emerging Francophone Artists at the Festival international de la chanson de Granby
Ottawa, August 24, 2006 - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced federal government support for the Réseau national des galas de la chanson. This funding will allow six young artists from Francophone minority communities to participate in the semifinals of the 38th Festival international de la chanson de Granby. The Festival will take place from September 7 to 16, 2006."Our government is proud to contribute to this initiative, which allows young performers and songwriters of French-language music to learn more about their art," said Minister Verner. "Like other events held in Canada's Francophone communities, the Festival demonstrates our country's linguistic and cultural vitality."
This funding for the Réseau national des galas de la chanson will give amateur artists from Francophone minority communities access to high-quality musical training in their own language and their own environment. This financial support will lead to the selection of six participants for training and development workshops offered during the Festival international de la chanson de Granby. These participants will come from the Atlantic region, Ontario, the North, and Western Canada.
The goal of the Réseau national des galas de la chanson is to strengthen the French-language music competitions held across the country. It includes Chant'Ouest, which represents the four provincial galas from Western Canada; Ontario Pop; the Festival international de la chanson de Granby; and the Gala de Caraquet, which represents the galas of the Atlantic provinces.
Financial assistance of $130,000 is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Development of Official-Language Communities Program. This program is aimed at promoting the vitality and full participation of official language minority communities in Canada.
Information:
Pascale St-PierreMinister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages
819 953-6238
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
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