Government of Canada Announces a New National Program to Ensure the Viability of Arts and Heritage Sectors
WINNIPEG, January 22, 2002 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today launched the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program (CAHSP). This national program, with a budget of $63 million over three years, will help arts and heritage organizations improve their management and develop greater financial stability."It is essential to invest in the creative potential of our communities and to multiply our cultural spaces in order to build an innovative and diverse country," said Minister Copps. "Organizations which take advantage of the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program will gain the necessary tools to prosper and to fully participate in the cultural expression of our communities which contribute to the richness of Canada."
The Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program provides assistance to arts and heritage organizations through three components: Stabilization Projects, Capacity Building Projects and Endowment Incentives.
Stabilization Projects: This component helps establish stabilization projects, within a specifi c geographic area, that are run by independent, non-profit organizations. These organizations, in turn, support arts and heritage organizations in their areas by offering their technical expertise and training. Some will also offer deficit reduction assistance and working capital reserves.
Capacity Building Projects: This component helps individual arts and heritage organizations that do not have access to Stabilization Projects assistance to improve their administrative, organizational and financial structures.
Endowment Incentives: Through this component, the Government of Canada will encourage Canadians to donate to arts organizations by providing funding when a private donation is made to an arts organization's endowment fund.
"The stabilization concept has a proven track record," added Minister Copps. "The Government of Canada has supported many pilot projects over the past six years in different parts of the country. The arts and heritage organizations that have participated have reported striking improvements in their management, fundraising and outreach capabilities."
Pilot stabilization projects currently exist in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova Scotia. In Manitoba, the Arts Stabilization Program's fund is ready to accept applications from the province's arts and heritage organizations.
Among the 60 arts and heritage organizations to benefit from stabilization projects in other provinces are Ballet British Columbia, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, Theatre Calgary, the Chester Playhouse and Windsor Nova Scotia's Mermaid Theatre.
The Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program was created following the announcement of more than $500 million in new funding for the arts and culture made by the Prime Minister of Canada and the Minister of Canadian Heritage on May 2, 2001.
The Minister intends to work in consultation with provincial partners in the implementation of this program in order to take into account the rich diversity of Canada's experiences and, wherever possible, the provincial and local infrastructures currently in place.
The Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program guidelines and application form are available on the Department of Canadian Heritage Web site, under "Application Forms", at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca
Information:
Kerry Edmonds
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
[ Media Room ]
