The Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Les Jours sont Contés en Estrie festival
HATLEY TOWNSHIP, December 16, 2002 -- David Price, Member of Parliament (Compton-Stanstead), on behalf of Canadian Heritage Minister Sheila Copps, today announced $10,000 in funding for Productions Littorale to support the Les Jours sont Contés en Estrie storytelling festival. The eleventh edition of this event will be held from October 16 to October 26, 2003."I am proud to contribute to this original and dynamic festival, which exposes Canadians to the unique art of storytelling," said Mr. Price. "My thanks to Productions Littorale for enabling others to discover the richness of our oral tradition by presenting a series of performances throughout the region."
Les Jours sont Contés en Estrie is one of the oldest storytelling festivals in Quebec. Since 1993, native and other storytellers from across and beyond Canada have presented tales in both official languages, as well as in Spanish. The 2003 program focuses mainly on history, war stories, epic tales and legends. New this year, the festival will include sweeping tales extending over several hours, and even days, with storytellers taking turns. In all, more than 40 performances will be given in 20 different locations throughout the Eastern Townships. In addition, seminars and round-tables will add to the public's understanding and appreciation of various aspects of this oral art form.
Productions Littorale promotes and showcases oral literature in all its forms, through cultural activities, and provides a supportive environment for a new generation of artists in this field.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Arts Presentation Canada program.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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