Government of Canada Announces Funding for Vancouver Symphony Foundation
VANCOUVER, April 14, 2003 -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament (Vancouver-Centre), on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $212,300 for the Vancouver Symphony Foundation. This funding matches funds raised by the Foundation to stabilize the Symphony Orchestra's finances. In this way, the Government of Canada encourages Canadians to give generously to the Foundation."The Government of Canada is committed to ensure that Canadians from every region of the country have access to arts and culture," said Dr. Fry. "Thanks to the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program, Canadian cultural organizations can receive funding that recognizes fundraising success among the general public and among their most ardent, dedicated supporters. The initiative and the effort shown by the Vancouver Symphony to achieve financial stability while maintaining the highest standards of artistic merit are encouraged and rewarded."
The third largest Symphony Orchestra in Canada, the Vancouver Symphony presents more than 140 concerts per year. The revenue that the Vancouver Symphony Foundation will now be able to generate will ensure the availability of financial resources to meet future needs. It is expected that, in time, these funds could also be used for the development of special projects.
Canadian Heritage provides this financial support through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. Under this initiative, Government funding is added to funds already raised. The initiative encourages private donations to arts organizations in order that they gain access to new and predictable sources of funds.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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